Browns vs Chargers: 3 players who can wreck Cleveland’s turnaround

Along with Justin Herbert, the Chargers have key players who can cause the Browns problems in Week 9

The Cleveland Browns needed a win last Sunday and they got one. Now the team will look to build off of it. This is the last game for the Browns before heading into a much-needed bye and they will square off with AFC West opponent, the Los Angeles Chargers.

Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have a new feel and vibe to them. Harbaugh, who has experience coaching in the NFL going back to when he was in San Francisco with the 49ers is no stranger to turning teams around. Los Angeles underwent a roster turnover but managed to keep key players while acquiring talent. You can see the Harbaugh influence with how he’s building the Chargers with emphasis on the trenches and the run game (similar formula he used with the 49ers and at Michigan.)

Offensively, the unit is average. QB Justin Herbert is a franchise quarterback and he’s been that since Los Angeles drafted him. It’s the supporting cast that has been an issue. As far as the receiving weapons go, there is some quality. Rookie Ladd McConkey is starting to emerge, Josh Palmer has made some contributions, and tight end Will Dissly has turned into a reliable target. The offensive line has played well but the interior has some concerns.

Defensively, the unit is arguably a top-10 unit in the league. It’s not star-studded but it is sound in terms of their alignments. Defensive coordinator Jessie Minter (who Harbaugh brought over from the Wolverines) will be a future head coach sooner rather than later. Defensive ends Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack aren’t tier-1 edge rushers like they were in their prime but they are still effective.

As far as the secondary goes, there are a few key players that stand out.

• CB Kristian Fulton
• S Elijah Molden
• CB Ja’Sir Taylor

Here are the 3 Chargers players who could cause the Browns a lot of trouble in Week 9:

QB Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles organization has had gotten their fair share of criticism when it comes to specific moves that they made. Drafting Herbert isn’t one of those moves.

Herbert is a top-10 quarterback in this league and he has been carrying the Chargers franchise to a degree since he’s been there. Incompetent offensive coaching staffs as well as below-average weapons hasn’t hindered his ability to make the most out of his situation.

The one thing with Herbert is how aggressive he is starting to become and how Los Angeles is trusting him a bit more to let it rip.

As far as how the Cleveland defense can limit Herbert, they essentially have to force him to mistakes (which is something he doesn’t do) or keep him off the field. When Herbert is on, he can be dangerous.

WR Ladd McConkey

As far as rookie receivers go, the one that landed in an ideal situation was McConkey in Los Angeles. Going back to his days at the University of Georgia, McConkey was never going to be the 1st option in that offense considering the talent that was there to a degree (injuries play a part as well). McConkey seems to be emerging as a reliable target for Herbert to lean on. The rookie’s route running is smooth with good speed and acceleration, and the ability to generate yards after catch.

It’s a reason why McConkey’s skills in Georgia were able to translate so well to the pros considering the tools he has:

As far as how the Browns can contain McConkey, it depends. Cornerback Denzel Ward is the best cornerback on the team but he’s currently in concussion protocol and his status is up in the air. Cornerbacks Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson have had their fair share of struggles this year, but either one will be keyed with containing him. However, putting Cam Mitchell on McConkey is something that should be considered.

S Elijah Molden

If there is one player that has been a surprise on this Chargers defense, it’s Molden.

Molden, the 2nd round pick originally with the Tennessee Titans was traded to the Chargers before the season and he has fit in well. Molden is being utilized in the form of the nickel/safety spot. You will see Molden at safety in certain formations, sometimes he will be at the nickel cornerback position:

His instincts stand out when you turn on the tape and he is someone who deserves more reps going forward for Los Angeles.

As far as how Cleveland can avoid him, it’s simple. Don’t force anything his way. We all know how aggressive QB Jameis Winston can get, he can push the ball down the field but he can put the ball in harm’s way. Molden can take advantage of that, he leads the team currently in interceptions.

---

Who on the Chargers worries you the most for the Week 9 matchup with the Browns? Share your thoughts in the comment section below