4 Cleveland Browns to keep an eye on Sunday

3. B.J. Goodson, Linebacker

One group that continues to get picked on in the Browns defense is the group of linebackers. They have struggled to fill gaps in the run game and have continued to get gashed in the passing game over the middle. While this group hasn’t been great, they have gotten better week in and week out and you can tell the vocal leader of the entire defense is veteran B.J. Goodson.

Goodson came into the season limited in coverage skills but has always had a nose for the football in the running game. One of the most improved players through 13 weeks must be Goodson’s pass coverage. Not only has he become a player that is capable of being on the field all three downs, but he has also become the Browns best linebacker on the roster very quickly.

General manager Andrew Berry will certainly need to find some additional help for Goodson next year at linebacker, but at least they have a decent start. Goodson will need to be on top of his game once again vs. New York. The Giants were beaten badly last week by the Arizona Cardinals but showed they can beat anyone by defeating the Seahawks in Seattle the week before.

The key to beating the Giants will be forcing McCoy or Daniel Jones to throw the football as often as possible. In the Seattle win, Wayne Gallman ran for 135 yards, and McCoy only threw for 105. Goodson must fill the gaps and keep the Giants in second and third and long so the defensive line can continue to dominate.