Browns Face Multiple Questions Entering Niners Game
Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Once again, a Cleveland Browns season has reached an extremely pivotal moment very early on.
The Browns aren’t in a horrible position at 2-2 coming out of the bye week, but they are only 1-2 in the division with an extremely difficult loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. This game against San Francisco isn’t a “must win,” but it will be very telling in regards to where this team truly is.
Who’s In Charge?
Right now, the biggest cloud over the Cleveland Browns is the Deshaun Watson saga. How serious is the shoulder injury?
There is a scenario where the injury was far worse than originally expected and he’s just going to miss some time. Nothing to be done there but rest up. However, there is also a scenario where Watson is saying he can’t play even though he’s been medically cleared because he is unhappy with the organization.
For $230 million guaranteed dollars, I think I would find a way to get along, but in my experience where there is smoke, there is fire. I don’t think this is a doomsday situation yet, but if the Browns go out and lay an egg against a formidable 49ers squad (which is highly possible), there could start to be a lot of finger-pointing inside the organization.
I’m not going to panic if Watson sits out another week. In the grand scheme of things, it actually the right call. The 49ers are going to be a tough win no matter what you do, so getting Watson some rest rather than frustrating him even more feels like an easy call.
What will be interesting to see is whether others on the team starting to call it a season.
Is This Defense Elite?
Through the first four games of the 2023 season, Jim Schwartz and this defense have played a massive role. In a game where the offense gave up 14 points to the Steelers, Cleveland still had a chance to win because the defense was that good.
On top of that, they held the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennesee Titans to basically no offense; the only points given up were because the offense turned the ball over in Browns territory.
We did see the first signs of this defense breaking in the Ravens game. It doesn’t help that the Browns once again gave up an early interception that led to a quick seven points, but the Ravens also had a 95-yard drive in the first half that all but sealed the game.
This week the defense has a chance to prove its greatness against a stout San Francisco offense. Can they rally from some adversity and step up in a big way? Can they stop this complicated offense that is built on getting defenses to break in coverage?
Schwartz is a great matchup against Kyle Shanahan. Not to belittle the 49ers’ offense, but it’s built on breaking a defense, not on pure talent. And Schwartz is one of the few remaining old-school defensive guys in the league who is comfortable playing straight man and not allowing busted coverage.
I think the defense will be up to the challenge, but the offense is going to have to give them something to keep them motivated through the entire game. If P.J. Walker is the starter and he turns the ball over early, or the Browns offense consistently goes three and out, this defense could wear out quickly. That would make for a long day in Cleveland.
Is Bill Callahan the Best?
The final piece that I continue to harp on is the offensive line. The injuries to Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic, and now Joel Bitonio (extent TBD) have made things tough, but this group continues to struggle in pass protection.
If you really watch the Watson film, one thing will jump out at you. When there is pressure, he is still struggling to make a quick read and get through any progressions. This leads to inaccuracy and bad decisions. When he has time in the pocket, you see the old Watson who is an elite thrower of the football.
Offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who is touted to be the best in the business, needs to start earning his check. With an extra week of practice and preparation, he better have a solid plan for the 49ers’ elite pass rush.
I’m hoping that includes seeing James Hudson at left tackle to at least show Jedrick Wills he is on watch. Alex Leatherwood, the former first-round pick who is currently on the practice squad, should also be getting some look at guard with all the injuries.
#Browns Andrew Berry said Jedrick Wills Jr. knows he has room to grow and they believe he will continue to play better.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) October 4, 2023
The point is, if this isn’t going to be a lost season and Watson is all in on Cleveland, Andrew Berry may need to make a trade to help this offensive line out. It’s a tough pill to swallow because so much money has been invested, but if Callahan doesn’t get it figured out this week, the consequences could be dire.
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