While losing on the last play of the game to a missed field goal and previously to a bad end zone call felt terrible; there is nothing more terrible than losing to the Browns. I hate them. Their fans are sad, their city is worse than Dayton and the franchise is a dumpster fire. We learned a lot in Week 1 against the Chargers in what this team could be. It keeps winning every game in the realm of the possible and these few thoughts will be key to get the Bengals first W of the season.
Get Mixon Going
Mixon did not have a great game last week. His fumble was a surprise to all but even looking past that he did not get the touches that we should hope to see. Running the ball effectively is going to take edge pressure off of Bobby Hart and in turn Joe Burrow. We need to give Burrow more time because receivers do not even have time to run the routes before Burrow is forced into a decision. Mixon needs 25+ attempts to get it going and a mix of Gio would not hurt either. Mack Wilson is out of the game so that should help against those linebackers.
Play Calling Needs to Improve
I did not think that the play calling against the Chargers helped the deficiencies that we were seeing throughout the game. Burrow was under fire so why wasn’t he throwing quick slants, screens, draws and end-arounds? Where were the adjustments Coach Taylor? The defense did their end to keep Tyrod Taylor in check but the offense never came through. They playbook seemed uninspiring and it is clear Burrow knows it top to bottom. I expect them to open it up more and really test Burrow’s grasp.
Limit Myles Garrett
Of course you say, but no really. He is going to be lined up on Hart the entire game and we need tight end chip blocks, running back engagement and perhaps Billy Price in the double-team to keep him in check. Garrett is one of the best pass rushers in this league already and we need to respect his game.
Attack Injuries
The Browns are beat up on that offensive line. They are potentially down three starters which should be a feasting for the Bengals. Losing Atkins and now Daniels hurts and in the center of the defense guys are going to need to step up but on pass rushing that can be offset with linebacker blitz schemes. If Hubbard/ Dunlap/Lawson do not record 3-4 sacks this game then they have failed.
Better Play from Darius Phillips
He got picked on against the Chargers while the remainder of the secondary fulfilled their obligations. The Browns have a lot of passing weapons and if Landry is healthy the matchup against our secondary gets a little scary. OBJ was a dud Week 1 but he is still a top tier WR and will likely be a guest of WJ3 Island. Oh yeah and we have to cover Austin Hooper with our linebackers. This means that Phillips needs to be ready to truly be a starting caliber boundary corner. Mayfield can make some throws even though we love to hate on him.
Give Burrow a Chance to Win the Game
8/10 on the final drive says it all…..Burrow can ball and loves the intense pressure of winning. He has a killer mentality and is something we only saw glimpses in Andy Dalton and never really with Carson Palmer. Burrow can lead comebacks, put the nail in coffins and keep his foot on throats (ok I have now exhausted all of the clichés). Players need to make the plays around him. John Ross needs to catch that ball in the end zone, Joe Mixon can’t fumble, Bullock needs to make big kicks and the defense needs to be just as good as Week 1. Joe Burrow can lead these guys to the Promised Land but it takes the village to win on game day.