Cleveland Browns: 3 X-factors vs. Cincinatti Bengals
1. B.J. Goodson, LB
One pleasant suprise from Week 1 was linebacker B.J. Goodson who Cleveland signed this offseason in free agency. He got the start at middle linebacker and recorded a team high nine tackles. Goodson came over from the Green Bay Packers wherehe was a never a full time starter but he was expected to lead the Browns linebackers and he showed up.
He will have to have another big week as they face off against Joe Mixon who also just recieved a large extention. He didn’t have a big first game though rushing for just 69 yards on 19 carries averaging under four yards per carry.
That was against a good run defense but Mixon is very talented and breaks arm tackles so the linebackers will have to be on point. He is a threat catching the ball out of the backfield and so is his backup Giovonni Bernard.
Goodson should have an easier time this week because he won’t have to deal with as much motion and speed. The Bengals lineman will have a hard time getting their hands on him on the second level. If Cleveland can neutralize the run and force the Bengals to pass that will give their talented pass rushers the chance to get sacks and turnovers.
Next. Reason for concern about Mayfield. dark
The Browns need a much better performance from their defense to avoid falling to 0-2.