Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a precarious position so early in the schedule. Losing both opening games has them doubting themselves as players as well as coaches. But the good news is that it is just Week 3. No need to panic – just start winning.
Admittedly, their opponent this weekend is a very good team, the Green Bay Packers. They should, in all likelihood, challenge the Philadelphia Eagles for NFC superiority. The Pack is currently unbeaten at 2-0-0 and are big favorites against the Browns.
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If Cleveland can beat the Packers, then the entire schedule opens up with confidence and optimism for the remainder of the year.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. No, sir.
Green Bay is a very good team this year. The Browns have had issues, especially with both slot cornerbacks and at safety. The kicker was horrible one week, then did what he was hired to do the next. Cleveland can’t seem to get the running game going. No receiver is having any sort of banner year. Quarterback play is iffy. The linebackers are being called upon to make too many plays.
And they are being forced to air it out.
What will be the keys to the Browns winning this game? Here are three:
With a very good passing attack, the best method to interrupt the Packers’ flow is to get pressure on their quarterback. Starting QB Jordan Love was all out versus the Washington Commanders this past weekend, going 19-31 with 292 passing yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. In fact, Love has not turned the ball over at all so far this season.
He is not as mobile this year as in years past as he has just six rushes for 16 yards in both contests. The Commanders sacked him twice, but that’s been it so far. Love is a much better pure passer, and if he gets into any sort of rhythm and has a clean pocket, he can throw into tight windows and can go through his progressions.
DE Myles Garrett will need to have a good game, as well as DT Shelby Harris and rookie DT Mason Graham. The issue is an inconsistent pass rush from the other outside defensive end spot with either Isaiah McGuire or Alex Wright. Both have been spotty with their pass rush, but are good against the run.
DC Jim Schwartz rarely blitzes, but the Packers feature an offense that needs time for passing lanes to develop. Perhaps Schwartz can send a safety or LB Carson Schwesinger more often and get Love on his heels more. He does not have much downfield vision when flushed and tends to run instead of looking for the open man.
Garrett is currently third in the league in pressures (6) and is tied for most sacks with 3.5, but the greater need is to disrupt the pocket.
Green Bay...
