The Cleveland Browns will try to finish their two-game Florida road trip on a positive note as the team will travel to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers this Sunday. For the Browns, it’s all about trying to bounce back after a rough season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a collective, the Browns didn’t play well at all, and it doesn’t get much easier as they will play a Buccaneers team that will have a highly motivated quarterback in Baker Mayfield.
Here are three X-Factors for Browns vs
Bucs in Week 2:
Zac Robinson vs Mike Rutenberg
In terms of debuts for coordinators in new situations, both Zac Robinson and Mike Rutenberg would’ve like to have done things differently. However, if people don’t know by now, Rutenberg and Robinson have history. Both Robinson and Rutenberg were with the Atlanta Falcons last year under former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris (who is now the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator). Robinson was the offensive coordinator and Rutenberg was the defensive passing game coordinator.
Robinson had his issues against the Cincinnati Bengals, mainly in terms of communication when it came to relaying the plays, but he called a somewhat competent game. Rutenberg, on the other hand, struggled. The Browns defense spent more time playing zone coverage rather than man coverage, which led to frequent coverage busts. The players have to execute, but the defensive coordinator has to put the players in better situations.
Familiarity is well known between the two, but Rutenberg has to call a better game defensively and make life difficult for Tampa Bay’s offense.
Browns DBs vs Bucs WRs
In terms of matchups, this one will be one to monitor. Browns cornerback Denzel Ward was the only cornerback that played well last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cornerback Myles Harden struggled mightily, while Tyson Campbell’s performance wasn’t nearly as poor as Harden’s; it wasn’t great.
This week doesn’t get any easier. Ward will likely be matched up with Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Campbell will likely be tasked against Jalen McMillan or rookie Ted Hurst, Myles Harden will be tasked against Chris Godwin. It’s hard to imagine the secondary playing any worse than they did last week but the Bucs have versatility in the wide receiver room.
Campbell’s questionable status for the game could create other issues.
It’s possible that the cornerbacks will have to play more zone due to the lack of a consistent pass rush. It’s not necessarily ideal, but due to the pass rush not being there, they might not have a choice.
Cleveland Defensive Line vs Tampa’s Offensive Line
By the Browns standards, their defensive line didn’t perform to the level that they are capable of in Week 1.
The pass rush was nonexistent, and the run defense was questionable at best. Tampa’s offensive line had an uneven performance, as the pass blocking wasn’t up to standard, but the run blocking was solid in their opening contest. As for the Browns, the pass rush needs to be better. It’s simple as that. Pressure was going to fall off after the team traded away Myles Garrett; it’s the reality of the situation. However, Jared Verse, who they traded for in the Garrett deal, wasn’t the best defensive lineman for the Browns that day. That was Mason Graham.
Aside from quarterback play, the game will be determined in the trenches, and both units (who had lackluster debuts) will look for redemption this week.
What are your X-Factors for Week 2’s Browns vs Bucs matchup?
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.
