Can the Browns Defense Make Joe Cool a Nervous Wreck on Sunday?

The Browns will certainly be out to put the pressure on the now highest paid player in the NFL. Can he maintain his calm demeanor on third down against one of the league's best defensive lines?

The Cleveland Browns spent a majority of their focus on revamping the defensive side of the ball during the offseason. We will finally see the new additions with Myles Garrett for the first time on Sunday as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at home. Here is what I will be watching out for on the defensive side of the ball.

Can our corners stick with what is widely considered the best wide receiver group in the NFL? 

While all the talk about our defense has been centered around our defensive line, our corners will face a huge test in the Bengals. The Browns got good news this week with Denzel Ward being cleared from concussion protocol. 

Jim Schwartz has been well known for his propensity to play heavy man coverage in his past. How he game planned for this game will be interesting to see out of the gate. When the Bengals break their huddle watch for the Browns to align in single-high coverage, with one safety back in the middle of the defense. 

The Browns played a ton of it during the preseason and it means that you get man to man coverage on the outside, which happens to be where Tee Higgins and Jamar Chase live. I would fully expect Denzel Ward to draw Chase in coverage and M.J. Emerson with the responsibility of Higgins. 

If this is what the Browns do to try to defend their passing attack, you can expect it all year long against everyone in my opinion. The goal is to make Burrow hold the ball long enough so that our defensive line can get pressure.

Can our defense hold up on third down?

When it comes to having success on third downs, Joe Burrow has been one of the best in his young career. Last year Burrow completed 69.2% of his passes with 12 TD's and only 2 interceptions on 3rd down. In addition Burrow ran for 99 yards on 21 carries on the critical down. 

The Bengals lost a third down weapon from last year in running back Samaje Perine. Perine was great in pass protection and had a knack for slipping out of the backfield to make big catches. Chris Evans is projected to play that role this season but those who cover the team closely aren't sure if he can measure up.

The Bengals probably aren't thrilled at the prospect of Burrow scrambling on third down after coming off his calf injury but it could be a weakness for the Browns pass rush off the edge if they fail to contain him.