With Week 6 in the rearview mirror, the Cleveland Browns are sitting on a 4-2 record and the top spot in the AFC North, just like everyone predicted. They took down the Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens and remain undefeated at home.
Todd Monken's team has nearly reached its projected win total for the season, but this has been far from perfect. The past five games have come down to the wire, and the offense is making it much harder on them than it needs to be.
Not trying to be nitpicky, but the defense can't do all of the heavy lifting here.
Considering that, Monken and his coaching staff have four burning questions to answer before their trip to face the Tennessee Titans.
The Browns keep winning, but their offense is leaving far too much on the table
Should Jaleel McLaughlin play more?
Blaming Quinshon Judkins for the Browns' struggles in the running game would be unfair and inaccurate. Nevertheless, the lack of a shifty running back to take over in third-down situations has hurt the offense.
McLaughlin hasn't played much, but he's given this team big plays and elusiveness whenever he's been given opportunities. Even with Dylan Sampson and Judkins likely returning soon, one can only wonder whether the former Denver Bronco should get more touches going forward.
How can the Browns make Denzel Boston a true No. 1 wide receiver?
Boston is a ball-winner when given a chance down the field, but the Browns barely look his way unless they're underwater. He can't be just a problem-solver and a last resort. Boston should be getting double-digit targets every single game.
The Browns have gotten him involved with deep throws and in the red zone, but there's no bread-and-butter play for him. Monken must give him some scripted touches to get him going. Boston is the Browns' most reliable pass catcher, and they have him doing light cardio out there more often than not.
Can Harold Fannin Jr. be a difference-maker?
Talking about stars doing cardio: What's going on with Harold Fannin Jr.? Like Boston, it feels like the Browns just don't utilize him enough, even though he makes a positive impact almost every single time he's targeted. Do they not like first downs?
Fannin is the team's top yards-after-catch specialist. He can't be tackled in the open field, and he's got reliable hands. What's not to like here? Watson puts the ball at risk way too often, and Fannin could (and should) be his escape valve right between the numbers.
Is Deshaun Watson doing too much?
The Browns keep winning, and Watson has been good on those game-winning drives, but is he hurting the team more than he's helping? His limitations have the team playing in shotgun all game, and how's that supposed to get the running game going?
Also, Watson can't just take off every time he's under duress. He's making it impossible for the offensive line to set a clean pocket with his nine-step dropbacks and his tendency to roll out as soon as he sees the blitz. Guys are getting open, and he just needs to be more patient.
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