5 Key matchups for the Cleveland Browns vs. Washington

5. Woods vs. Turner

Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner has struggled to put up points and yards early in the 2020 season. Through two games the team has 401 passing yards, 197 rushing yards, but the team has yet to turn the football over.

Joe Woods and the Browns defense hasn’t been stellar either. The squad has given up 734 total yards in two games and is allowing teams to convert on third down 48 percent of the time. Not to mention the Bengals went five-for-five on fourth down conversions last week.

So far, the defense hasn’t given up huge chunk plays, it has been methodical drives the chew time off the clock which can be more painful than a 60-yard bomb. What Woods needs to improve on most is third and short. To this point, a team can send a running back or tight end over the middle and get eight yards every play if they would like. The Bengals game planned that hard and look for Turner and Washington to do the same.

While the Browns certainly have a dominant pass rush, all the quick passes have basically eliminated the threat. Look for Woods to tighten up coverage and trust the rush will get there. With Williams and Kevin Johnson likely available this week, Woods will have much more confidence in his man to man coverage ability.

Additionally, I think you will also see Woods turn up the heat. Through two games the Browns haven’t blitzed all too often. Woods is known as a guy who brings the heat, so with his roster finally getting healthy, you may finally see a full playbook on Sunday.