The Cleveland Browns have been red-hot to start the 2020 season.
They find themselves at a 3-1 record for the first time since 2004.
However, they have a tough matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.
Sadly, the Browns could also be without some of their top defensive players.
#Browns DT Larry Ogunjobi out with abdominal injury.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) October 4, 2020
Both defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson were unable to practice on Wednesday.
That means, third-round rookie Jordan Elliott could have a bigger role against the Colts.
Can Elliott Step Up?
The rookie defensive tackle could have some big shoes to fill on Sunday.
Elliott hasn’t seen a ton of playing time, but has made the most of his chances.
The Browns coaching staff has been fairly impressed with what they’ve seen from Elliott early in the season.
“He has done a nice job and we need him to continue to progress,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said.
The team believes in Elliott, so he should see more playing time going forward.
“His role will expand. But he is very, very diligent about this. He wants to be great. He works really hard out at practice. So, he just needs to keep progressing,” said Stefanski.
The coaching staff aren’t the only ones that have been impressed by Elliott.
“He is always ready. He is always alert,” said Sheldon Richardson.
It’s obvious that the young tackle has made a significant impact on the team already.
Elliott only has three tackles through four games, but is graded as one of the top defensive tackles.
Among rookie defensive lineman, #Browns Jordan Elliott ranks first in PFF overall grade and run defense, and second in pass-rush grade. pic.twitter.com/Qu6tS7NSBm
— Sam Penix (@Sam_Penix) September 29, 2020
The Browns are going to need a significant contribution from their pass rush if they want to beat Indy.
That isn’t going to be an easy task against the Colts elite offensive line.
However, the Browns can’t trust their pass defense to hold Indy in check.
Cleveland will need to pressure the quarterback if they want to have success on Sunday.
The Browns defense has been crushed by injuries this season, but that just means someone else needs to step up.
In Week 5, Elliott could be the next player asked to make a significant impact.
The team certainly believes in him and Elliott has shown great progress early in the season.
It’ll be interesting to see what he brings to the table during Sunday’s contest.
