How the Browns Beat Washington
The Cleveland Browns host Washington with a number of advantages. They had 10 days to prepare while Washington is coming off a difficult road trip to Arizona only to have to turn around and play on the road again. Last but certainly not least is the fact the Browns simply have far more talent than Washington.
None of that changes how important this game is for the Browns. They have an opportunity to secure a winning record, even if it's just 2-1, for the first time since 2014 under Mike Pettine. It's also an opportunity to continue to build and improve, gaining some momentum before they face off against the more difficult parts of their schedule.
When the Browns have the ball
So much of the focus for the Browns is dealing with the Washington defensive line. The most effective way the Browns can keep them off balance is to stay on schedule, avoiding obvious passing situations that allow Chase Young and Montez Sweat the ability to pin their ears back and fly up the field.
The good news is the Browns offense is largely designed to do just that, having an outstanding running game that helps the playaction passing game. The Browns offensive front and the combination of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt can wear down just about anyone and can frustrate opposing pass rushers, which appeared to happen against the Bengals.
The Browns run a ton of their zone concepts, but one play they might utilize more against a team like Washington is counter. Having a guard attempt to kick out Young or Sweat could slow them down and force them to protect themselves, taking on the block appropriately.
Because of the athleticism off the backside that Young or Sweat have, they can potentially chase down plays from behind. Rather than have their tackle pull to get up through the hole, they can have their tackle stay, block the end and have either Harrison Bryant do it from a wing position or potentially line up Andy Janovich in a position where can lead up through the hole.
When the Browns do run zone, they may have Bryant or Janovich go across the formation and attempt to kick out an end or at least shield the ends off from chasing from that back side.
The Browns offensive line is incredibly athletic, so they also thrive getting out in space. One area the Browns haven't really utilized much yet is the screen game. Whether to backs or receivers, it punishes pass rushers that are charging full speed ahead only to have the ball go behind them, forcing to turn and chase.
Last but not least, quick passes. Slants, hitches, bubbles, and quick outs are easy way to get the ball out of Baker Mayfield's hand quickly negating the pass rush.
Kevin Pierre-Louis is an excellent coverage linebacker, so he's likely going to be glued to Austin Hooper as much as possible. However, the rest of their linebackers are dreadful, so even if Hooper ends up being a decoy at times, it could free some other weapons including receivers or Harrison Bryant if they are isolated on linebackers.
Look for the Browns to attack corner Jimmy Moreland and safety Troy Apke as much as possible in the secondary. If they can isolate Odell Beckham on either one, they may set up a deep shot just as they did last against the Bengals for the 43-yard touchdown. Any situation where they can get them on the same side, they should take advantage.
Fabian Moreau has been very good, but he's their third corner that comes in and plays on the boundary. To this point, when Washington has two corners on the field, it'll be Ronald Darby and Moreland.
The Browns inclination to use two tight ends may limit their ability to put three corners on the field, which would be to their advantage. If they utilize three corners, the Browns should run the ball, punishing their lack of size.
When Washington has the ball
The best two things Washington has on offense right now are wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Antonio Gibson.
At over 220 pounds, Gibson was able to run a 4.39 at the combine. The rookie played at Memphis in college and they used him all over the field, but he only had 33 carries. He was still able to rush for 369 yards and four touchdowns.
Washington is utilizing him entirely as a back and he's an explosive threat. If he gets daylight, he can create explosive plays.
This is where the Browns will likely begin their focus. They've been excellent with their defensive line playing the run and the team ranks sixth in run defense, giving up 89.5 yards per game.
McLaurin is a fine receiver, but the Browns are going to try to force Dwayne Haskins to beat them. Haskins is struggling and he doesn't have much help. The offensive line is down Brandon Scherff and outside of Morgan Moses, who is fine, the the rest of the unit has not performed well.
Haskins has yet to throw an interception, but if the Browns can force consistently force him into obvious passing situations, that pressure may yield some opportunities to create turnovers. Haskins has been sacked seven times in two games and this past week, Chandler Jones didn't register a sack, but he put multiple hits on Haskins.
As it pertains to McLaurin as a receiving threat, the Browns aren't moving their corners around to cover anyone, but they might dedicate a little extra attention to McLaurin. That is not only out of respect for what McLaurin can do, but because the rest of their receiving weaponry isn't overly threatening.
Special Teams
Steven Sims Jr. is a reasonably talented return threat. He had a kick return touchdown in 2019, but his punt return average is pretty mediocre.
Because of the changes the Browns have made at kicker, going to Cody Parkey and the issues the Browns have had in covering kickoffs, there's a chance that Sims will have an opportunity to make a big play. If the Browns decide the threat is too great, they'll just kick touchbacks.
If not, then this is a game where it's less about what Washington is doing and the Browns focusing on themselves and simply trying to improve their various special teams units. Many of them performed well last year with largely the same personnel, so they need to get back to that level.
