Three challenges for the New York Jets against the Cleveland Browns
The New York Jets are coming off of a disappointing loss in a game they seemed to have control of against the Buffalo Bills. If they are going to get their first win against the Cleveland Browns, they have some challenges they'll have to meet.
The Tennessee Titans were able to take advantage of the Browns weakness at tackle, particularly right tackle in generating pressure on Baker Mayfield. The Jets don't have the talent the Titans do on the edges and may need to blitz to generate pressure. If they can't find a way to do that and rush Mayfield, he may be able to sit in the pocket and just pick them apart.
The Jets offense was able to get the ball in the hands of Le'Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder in the passing game and they were able to gain yardage. They just didn't get enough impact from their perimeter threats such as Robby Anderson, which limited them offensively and contributed to only getting 16 points on the scoreboard. Anderson only had three receptions for 23 yards and they are bringing in Demaryius Thomas in light of the season-ending injury to Quincy Enunwa.
Of the team's returning starters, Anderson had the highest average per reception in addition to having the most receptions, yards, big plays and touchdowns last year. They want him to be able to stretch the field and potentially create a quick score with Crowder and Bell able to catching passes underneath and running after the catch.
The other area the Jets have to be better to beat the Browns is in protecting Sam Darnold. The team surrendered four sacks against the Bills and the Browns bolster a more star-studded pass rush. That was a key in the Browns beating Jets last year as Darnold was sacked and ultimately turned the ball over in the waning moments of the game.
Their offensive line is reasonably strong up the middle with Ryan Kalil, Kelechi Osemele and Brian Winters, but like the Browns, their tackle position is iffy. Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell have to be able to block Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon and should sanity prevail, Genard Avery.
