The Cleveland Browns have done it again. With another win, the Browns are now 2-1 on the year and have set themselves up for a big matchup in Week 4.
After wins over the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they now host their biggest rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The winner of the game will be the early leader in the clubhouse for AFC North supremacy.
The Browns' defense has really come into their own over the last two weeks, especially in Week 3. The pressure they are generating is similar to when Myles Garrett was in the fold. Jared Verse and Mason Graham are both monsters on that front and are helping out the linebackers and secondary in the process. Beyond them though, the offense still needs to find itself before the fourth quarter.
They have struggled in the first 45 minutes of games, something that cannot continue. So what needs to change on that side of the ball to get things on track? We have some suggestions as we discuss their three keys to the game on offense.
Get the ball to Harold Fannin Jr.
Harold Fanning had just three targets in Week 1 against the Jaguars. He followed that up by six targets in Week 2, and then nine in Week 3. In Week 4, he needs to see double-digit targets. His athleticism should allow him to have an edge over anyone the Steelers have on defense, especially if Jalen Ramsey is hindered or misses the game. He just needs to work the middle of the field and allow him to create from there.
Start using KC Concepcion creatively
Concepcion has a whopping 20 targets through three games, so his production should be high, right? No. He has just 80 receiving yards, as the team has been using him in a lot of end-around and pitch-pass type of plays. They need to utilize his speed and his creativity, and they need to get him some targets downfield. At the very least, some crossing routes across the middle where he can build momentum would benefit him greatly.
More designed runs for Deshaun Watson
Watson's passing has not been ideal so far; he has had his moments, but he is also missing a lot of passes. What isn't lacking is his instinct to run the ball; it has been on point, especially on third down. Now, what I am suggesting may seem bold, but how about some designed runs? On first or second down, the running game has been struggling. Scheming up some QB draws or something off play-action could do well for this team to extend drives more easily.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 3 Keys for the Browns' offense against the Steelers in Week 4
