A vital “easy” game on the Browns schedule has simple points of focus
We are onto Week 3. After spending last week in Florida, the Cleveland Browns managed to leave with a much-needed victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland now returns home for another matchup as they will host the New York Giants.
As usual, kickoff starts at 1 PM.
After spending last week on CBS, Cleveland is back on FOX with Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma & Megan Olivi on the call.
Let’s play a clean game
It’s pretty self-explanatory. During the first two weeks of the season, the Cleveland Browns have had 10+ penalties in the two games that they played. Had Cleveland played a better opponent last week, Cleveland would’ve been 0-2 instead of 1-1. For Cleveland to get where they need to be, the penalties must be reduced significantly.
#Browns S Rodney McLeod said in order to get where they want to go, must clean up the penalties. Said it’s up to the players.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 16, 2024
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said they know they’re the most penalized team in the league right now and are addressing cleaning up the penalties as a point of emphasis this week.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 18, 2024
Most of the penalties Cleveland has committed are more of a lack of focus, whether it’s illegal shifts & formations, holding, or lining offsides. Look for the team to have the penalties reduced to a minimum this week.
Offense building off last week
For what it’s worth, Cleveland’s offense looked a lot better last week than they did in the opener. It was a tale of two halves but Cleveland is looking to build off it while getting key players back on the offensive line.
As far as the quarterback goes, Deshaun Watson played well last week and he looked better than he did in Week 1 from a mental standpoint. When it comes to the passing game, it’s been more inconsistent but wide receiver Amari Cooper has been off to a slow start. Cooper and Watson haven’t been on the same page (some of it has to do with Cooper missing the majority of OTA’s and not being in game shape) but Watson isn’t necessarily concerned about it.
#Browns Deshaun Watson on his lack of connection so far with Amari Cooper: pic.twitter.com/qU9ftoVtII
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 18, 2024
New York’s secondary isn’t particularly great but their front 4 is formidable. Expect Cleveland to attack the secondary early to get the passing game going.
Limit #1 and force Daniel Jones to turn the ball over.
If there is one person the Cleveland Browns should keep an eye on in this game is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers is a problem, and he is someone who can generate explosives in the passing game.
New York’s passing game doesn’t terrify anyone outside of Nabers and Cleveland should do whatever it takes to limit Nabers and force the others to get involved. Which brings me to my next point. Force quarterback Daniel Jones to turn the ball over. Jones isn’t a great quarterback, but he’s competent. However, Jones is prone to giving the ball away. Jones will likely force the ball to Nabers which will open him up to pressing and making throws he shouldn’t make.
Cleveland has been close to creating turnovers but just hasn’t been able to capitalize. If Cleveland wants to put this game away early, forcing Daniel Jones to turn the ball over is a good start.