By: Pat Zimmerman
1. Rattle Ryan Fitzpatrick
The Browns pass rush has been outstanding so far this year, as they put immense pressure on Michael Vick in week 1 and sacked Andy Dalton six times in week 2. If the Browns, who are tied for second in the NFL with 8 sacks, can continue to get pressure on the opposing quarterback, it could alleviate some of the pressure on the depleted secondary. If the Browns can get to Fitzpatrick (who is a streaky player) early and often, they might get the “bad” Fitzpatrick to make some turnovers in week 3.
2. Improve Team Tackling
Whether it was Pac-Man Jones punt return for a touchdown, Andrew Hawkins long touchdown, or Brandon Tate torching the secondary, the Browns tackling was poor to say the least. If they don’t improve QUICKLY, they will have a rough game against the ultra-elusive CJ Spiller (292 yards in 2 games) and Stevie Johnson. Wrapping up and limiting long gains will go a long way for the Browns in week 3 against the Bills who are leading the NFL in rushing (198 yards per game) through 2 weeks.
3. Limit Penalties
The Browns extended opponent drives, or ended their own drives, multiple times solely due to penalties. The young Browns team is not good enough to overcome 100+ yards of penalties and needs to focus on limiting mental mistakes. There’s not much else to say about this other than the coaches need to continue to stress this to the players and the players need to play more disciplined.
4. Keep feeding Trent Richardson
Richardson has carried the ball 38 times for 148 yards through the first two weeks and really had a coming out party in week 2. The offensive line struggled some against Philadelphia but opened some very large holes for Richardson in week 2. Richardson looks to have his “game legs” back and should continue to improve each and every week. If the Browns can get ahead early and put the game on Trent Richardson’s shoulders, they will not only take pressure of fellow rookie Brandon Weeden but will also continue to run clock while taking pressure off of the defense.
5. Contain the Bills Defense Line
The Bills, ala the Philadelphia Eagles, have a very good defensive line. The Eagles are much smaller and quicker group and probably were more of a challenge for the Browns, but that doesn’t mean it will be an easy task for the Browns O-Line. First and foremost, Mitchell Schwartz is going to need to some help on Mario Williams, especially on obvious passing downs. Whether it comes from a back, tight end, or Shawn Lauvao, the Browns need to help out the rookie against one of the best in the game. Joe Thomas will also have his hands full against Mark Anderson, who is a very solid defensive end, especially with Thomas battling a knee injury. Marcell Dareus will also prove to be a challenge for the interior linemen (Mack, Pinkston, and Lauvao). If the offensive line can protect Brandon Weeden, the Browns will be able to take some shots against a susceptible Bills secondary.
Original Story:
http://www.ClevelandDTR.com/2012/09/2...
