Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns might have the best defense in the NFL, despite being minimized by Detroit Lions OC John Morton this week for their ability against the run. There are clearly issues, however, with that side of the ball, but the fierce defensive line, top two cornerbacks and safety Grant Delpit have done a lot to mask those issues, including at free safety.
One big area of concern, which for some reason the Green Bay Packers were unable to take advantage of in Week 3, is at slot corner. Cam Mitchell and Myles Harden have just not been good enough at what DC Jim Schwartz wants them to do. In many ways, their struggles help bring to light how difficult the slot role is under Schwartz and why Greg Newsome II often was put in tough positions.
Enter Lions star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.
While we rarely provide fantasy advice here, this week is a bit different. Not only could St. Brown take over the game on the field by himself, but fantasy owners should make him a “for sure start” in Week 4. In three games this season, St. Brown is top 10 in receptions and receiving yards while being tied for first in receiving touchdowns.
Given the Browns struggle in the slot, expect Detroit’s offense to run through their shifty receiver especially if the run game struggles. While the Packers were not able to take advantage, Lions QB Jared Goff is a master at finding weaknesses and exploiting them.
Schwartz could decide to get creative on St. Brown with Delpit in coverage or using a linebacker to provide underneath help. Doing so could weaken Cleveland’s run defense and open things up for TE Sam LaPorta and others, but letting St. Brown dictate the flow of the game would be problematic.
Just like the Browns slot corner position has been this season.
