How The Browns Can Stop Geno Smith And The Seahawks Offense
For the fouth straight game, the Browns defense is going to have to lead the way if Cleveland wants to win its third straight game and fourth in the last five.
Even after giving up 456 yards last week, the Browns are still the No. 1 defense in the NFL in yards allowed, and it's not close.
Seattle poses a unique set of challenges for Cleveland on Sunday but the Browns have the tools to shut them down. These three keys will be critical to the Browns' success on Sunday:
- Eliminate the big play that nearly cost them in Indianapolis.
- Get off the field on third down — Indianapolis was 7-for-15 on third downs last week.
- Contain Kenneth Walker III
Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss (21) runs the ball while Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) defend in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Geno Smith leads the way for the Seahawks and is having another very good start to the season. His 1,391 yards places him 18th in the league but the more important stat, quarterback rating, slots him as a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. He has seven touchdowns and four interceptions on the year.
Smith is able to lean on one of the top running backs in all of the NFL in Walker, who is eighth in the NFL with 450 rushing yards. He's found the end zone six times, which is tied for 4th in the NFL.
Oct 22, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
© Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks wide receiving group has not been as reliable as they've wanted so far in 2023. DK Metcalf is their number one target. He missed last week but has come up with 22 catches for 337 yards and two scores this year. Tyler Lockett and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba have combined for 47 catches, 462 yards and three touchdowns.
Seattle will use two tight ends who are both very good and worthy of attention by the defense. While their numbers aren't incredible, they can rip off a big play if the Browns fall asleep on them. Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson are the two names to keep an eye on.
This offense has big play ability but has yet to show it consistently in 2023. The Browns need to correct the coverage busts that led to big plays in Indy, get off the field on third down and stop the run. If they do those three things, Cleveland will have a chance to get a third straight win.
