The Cleveland Browns are feeling good after a much-needed win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Everything started to click for Cleveland in Week 2, but they will face a harder challenge in Week 3.
They will get a matchup versus the Washington Football Team at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday.
At first glance, Washington might not seem like a huge threat, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Through two games, Washington leads the NFL with 11 sacks.
One of the biggest reasons why is rookie defensive end Chase Young.
Stopping Chase Young
The Browns will need to turn their attention to stopping the Washington pass rush.
Doing that is going to be the key to taking home the victory on Sunday.
Mainly, slowing down the No. 2 overall pick Young is going to be the toughest challenge for Cleveland.
The Ohio State product is already tied for the league lead in sacks with Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt with 2.5 sacks on the year.
Washington was able to sack Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray three times in their loss in Week 2.
Young was able to contribute one of those sacks and is a dangerous weapon on every play.
I highly recommend to assign at least one blocker to Chase Young. pic.twitter.com/fhFQlhNCgX
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) September 24, 2020
Through two games, Young has eight tackles, including six solo, 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss and one forced fumble.
Washington has recorded three interceptions and three fumbles forced this season, which is quite surprising for a defense that wasn’t expected to be this good.
Cleveland can’t overlook this Washington defense otherwise the Browns could be headed towards a 1-2 record on the year.
Mayfield’s Turnover Troubles
Sadly, Mayfield comes into this game with NFL-long eight game interception streak.
He already has two this season, but showed promising signs during the Thursday night victory over the Bengals.
The No. 10 overall pick in the draft, Jedrick Wills is going to have his hands full on Sunday.
Holding Young in check is going to be the key to success here.
The Browns need to contain the Washington pass rush and give Mayfield enough time in the pocket.
Allowing the pass rushers to break through and bring pressure to Mayfield is only going to create problems for Cleveland.
Using play-action could be a smart idea here to get Mayfield out of the box.
Mayfield threw for 87 yards and one touchdown while using play-action during the first half versus the Bengals.
However, it didn’t work quite as well in the second half, but could be something used here against Washington.
The Browns will need to get creative in order to stop the pass rush on Sunday.
They should be able to come away with the victory if they can keep Young and the rest of the pass rushers off Mayfield.
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