3 areas where Browns need to improve before Week 4

The Browns entered the mini-bye after their Thursday night victory. What are the key areas the Browns need to improve before heading to Atlanta?

The Cleveland Browns need to fix several concerning issues if they want to win this upcoming Sunday in Atlanta. The communication on defense needs addressed. Punt and kick return need an overhaul. Leadership on the defensive side of the ball needs to be sorted out.

Let’s dive into each topic and see what’s gone wrong and what they can do about it.

Areas Browns need to improve before Week 4

3. Communication

Defensive communication has already cost the Browns one game. It almost cost them another. With the injury to Anthony Walker, the defensive signal caller, the Browns may have more communication issues come next week.

The loss of Walker means that John Johnson will probably take over play-calling duties. He fulfilled this role during his time with the Los Angeles Rams. He is capable to be the one calling the signals from the sideline.

But the communication issues are less about sideline-to-player communication and more about player-to-player communication when audibling on defense. Adjusting to a shift or motion by the offense is what is confusing this defense. Expect the Atlanta Falcons to continue doing the same this upcoming Sunday.

The solution?

On Thursday night, the Browns simplified their audibles for the secondary. The simplification reduced the need for communication between corners and safeties after shifts and motions. The plan worked with the defense putting on a masterful display in the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.

But simplifying the backend calls only delays the problems. This defense needs to be able to play its style of complex defense. Being able to audible creates defensive pre-snap reads that look like one defense when they are actually playing another. The ability to disguise causes serious issues forcing quarterbacks to make difficult post-snap reads.

This cat-and-mouse game of defense is lost when player-to-player communication is simplified. Without it, the offense will always be the cat with the defense the mouse. To level the playing field in a game that heavily favors the offense, the Browns will need to be complex and confusing for opponents.

If the Browns want to seriously challenge for a division title or playoffs this year, the backend communication will need to be fixed. If not, the Browns can expect to continue struggling late in games.