3 areas where the Browns must improve in Week 8

No. 1: 3rd down offense

When you look at the Browns’ overall offensive numbers and compare them to the Ravens you would have thought they had won the game. You would’ve also thought they had scored more than 20 points but the situational offense especially on third down tells the true story. In the matchup in Baltimore, the team only converted 2-of-11 third downs compared to 7-of-15 for the home team.

On top of the poor conversion rate were the five sacks the offensive line allowed which always seemed to kill a drive — or a shot at tying it up in the end. The offense overall wasn’t terrible but when they had negative plays to set them behind they were not able to overcome mistakes on third down. To snap this losing streak on Monday they must be able to convert in these big pressure situations.

With tight end David Njoku injured, rather he plays or not is unknown, Jacoby Brissett must regain his confidence in these moments. As the season has gone on he has taken sacks and delivered poor passes on the important downs even when playing well otherwise. The Browns have shown plenty of times that the offense can be effective so they must figure things out this week.