Cleveland Browns News: Washington pass rush big test for Browns
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns O-line will be tested Sunday
Throughout the first two games of the season, one thing has really stood out with the Cleveland Browns — the play of their offensive line. Sure, Baker Mayfield has been better and Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have been as advertised, but none of this is possible without the line taking a major step forward following a disastrous campaign in 2019.
Last season, Cleveland’s offensive line was a hindrance. They allowed far too many pressures and because of that, the Browns added Jack Conklin in free agency and Jedrick Wills in the draft. But the improvement isn’t just in the additions as Wyatt Teller has stepped up at right guard and Chris Hubbard already had to fill in for Conklin and he performed well in Week 2.
As exciting as all this is, there’s a major test on the horizon. Cleveland will host the Washington Football Team and while they might not have a name, they do have a dominant pass rush with Chase Young and Montez Sweat leading the way.
That has the attention of Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, and is also the headliner in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns News
"“Defensively, 11 sacks in two games gets your attention immediately,” Stefanski said. “They are just a really good front, a really good defense and defensive team. Speed across the board.”"
Washington’s edge rush is phenomenal and while the Browns offensive line has been improved, this will still be a problem for them. Kevin Stefanski is going to want to get the running game going and dial up some short passes to get the ball out of Baker’s hands. He knows he will have to do all he can to keep this from ruining the game.
"“Jack Conklin said Wednesday the injured ankle that kept him out of the Browns’ Week 2 win over the Bengals will be “100 percent” by the time Cleveland kicks off with Washington on Sunday.”"
One thing that will really help as the Browns look to slow down Chase Young and Montexz Sweat is the return of Jack Conklin. The prized free agent addition missed Week 2 and while Chris Hubbard was good in relief, Conklin is the big-money guy for a reason.
"“His 16 targets and 12 receptions in coverage both lead all Browns defenders after two games, and he is tied for fifth in targets among NFL defenders. Goodson is seeing a target every 5.1 coverage snaps. Only five players are seeing targets at a higher rate with as many snaps.”"
When the Browns signed Goodson, it was said that pass coverage was not his strength. He’s being asked to do it still and teams are more than happy to try and test him. He was performing well in camp but that hasn’t translated to the regular season just yet.
Next. Browns, Baker Mayfield need to keep the momentum. dark
Cleveland has a shot to go 2-1 to start the season and Grant Puskar thinks they can do it as long as they follow these three keys to voctory.