3 big questions Cleveland Browns need to answer against the Arizona Cardinals

Three big questions for the Cleveland Browns ahead of Week 6

With the center of the universe still on Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield shoulders this upcoming game against the only undefeated NFL team, Arizona Cardinals is going to be even more manipulated and dissected by the end of the game — even though the Browns had over 500 yards in offense and scored 42 points they lost.

Cleveland stands at 3-2 and is still in a good position on the season. They have their next three games at home and this could be a defining time for this Browns season.

There are dozens of questions we’ve all asked each other about the Browns over the past few days. Here are a few that stand out as we prepare for the Sunday showdown.

Cleveland Browns big question No. 3: Can they bounce back against the high-flying Arizona Cardinals?

After scoring 42 points and adding 533 yards of offense and still losing a game where they didn’t even turn the ball over (that’s the first time that’s been done in NFL history) how will the Browns come out this Sunday and perform after the heartbreaking loss

The Cardinals are playing very well at the moment, being the only 5-0 team in the NFL. They rank near the top of every offensive category  They’ve had their share of both close games and blowouts. Their only common opponent with the Browns is the Minnesota Vikings, where they snuck out with the win.

This game Sunday has more though to do with how the Browns react after such a tough loss last week to the Los Angeles Chargers. Cleveland hasn’t lost two games in a row under their coach Kevin Stefanski leadership in these first two seasons.

The pressure on Sunday will be enormous. The Browns are back home at First Energy Stadium. The trouble I foresee is that every play drawn up by coach Stefanski, every throw from Browns Mayfield will be analyzed under a microscope and the defense will be under that same scope because they were absolutely torched last weekend.

With pressures mounting every game we move through the season, the more I’m worried about the final outcome. Last year, Stefanski and this team had the benefit of the honeymoon and they took advantage of the success to a tee.

This season there have been issues with communication on the field. There have also been more games already where Stefanski’s play calling is being disputed. You add in the various injuries hitting the team, especially in the defensive secondary and the offensive line and you may have a problem.

Mayfield looked better this past week but again couldn’t finish the game off and secure the win. That pattern unfortunately has happened twice now this season and it has opened up another can of worms in regards to Mayfield. It have people asking if he can really get the job done when it matters most.

I think having these next three games at home will be an advantage to the Browns and I also think the Cardinals are due for a loss. Stay tuned.