Justin Herbert is playing through a painful rib injury, and might not be leaving the pocket much for a while. (USA Today)
Justin Herbert kicks off gauntlet of elite quarterbacks coming for Browns defense
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Four downs on Browns (2-2) v. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
First down: Here come the big boys.
The Browns’ defense has underperformed against the likes of Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, Mitch Trubisky and Marcus Mariota. Those four quarterbacks have combined for 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 35 sacks and a passer rating of 75.98 through a collective 15 games. They’re 3-8 against the rest of the NFL, 2-2 against the Browns. Now comes a gauntlet of elite quarterbacks over the next seven games, starting with Justin Herbert. Despite one bad game playing with a fractured rib cartilage injury, Herbert leads the NFL with 1,250 passing yards, has thrown nine TDs v. two interceptions, and is fifth in the league with a passer rating of 102.2. In an epic slugfest in LA last season – exactly one year ago – Herbert threw for 398 yards and four TDs in the Chargers’ 47-42 win. “In this stretch, we have a lot of good quarterbacks we’re going against, lot of good offenses. It should be a test for us,” said safety Grant Delpit. Following Herbert, the Browns will face Mac Jones, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Allen and Tom Brady. Fail this test, and the Browns won’t be graduating to the postseason.
Second down: ‘A giant’ behind center.
Herbert’s one bad game came in a 38-10 loss at home to the Jaguars. It was his first after suffering a severe rib injury and he didn’t practice all week. He was more himself last week in a 34-24 romp over the Texans. “He has all the physical traits of a great quarterback,” said safety John Johnson. “You look at him behind center and he’s like 6-9. Big arm, physical guy. I think his coaches put him in good position to make plays. Just his physical presence helps him out a lot.” Actually, Herbert is 6-6 and 236 pounds. “A giant quarterback,” Delpit said. “A big arm on him. Makes the right decisions, checks the ball down when he needs to. He’s got it all, man.” Herbert’s rib injury didn’t seem to affect his throwing last week, but it has discouraged him from venturing much out of the pocket. The Chargers help his protection by varying their tempo and utilizing quick throws to get the ball into the hands of playmakers Mike Williams and Austin Ekelar. Mindful of the Browns’ repeated fourth-quarter breakdowns – Herbert posted 26 points in the final quarter in last year’s game – Johnson said, “I think each and every play we gotta be locked in or we are going to get torched.”
Third down: Getting the band together.
The Browns haven’t had defensive ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney on the field together for the past nine quarters of football. Clowney missed the Steelers and Falcons games with a mid-ankle injury. Garrett missed the Falcons game with a shoulder sprain after rolling his Porsche into a Medina County roadside ditch. They could be reunited against Herbert. Garrett is a definite go; Garrett practiced on a limited basis on Friday after three weeks of rehab and is questionable. Garrett said: “I feel good, feel like I’m ready, back to make a difference and change this game when I’m in it. My body’s going to tell me how long I need to be out or when I’m ready to go back and it’s telling me I’m ready for some action right now.’’ As for Clowney, he said, “It’d be great having the whole front back. Any time you go against a passing team, that’s a D-lineman’s dream, going after the passer. I want to get after any quarterback. You want to help your team win. This is a big game. We need this win. We need all these wins.” The starting defensive would be complete if the ends play because defensive tackle Taven Bryan, who missed the Falcons game with a hamstring injury, also is expected back.
Fourth down: Accentuate your strengths.
Chargers radio analyst and NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah stated perhaps the prevailing opinion of Jacoby Brissett league-wide. “I think he’s that definition of what they call in baseball a 4-A player,” Jeremiah said on #100YearsPod. “He’s better than a Triple A player but you don’t want him as your full-time starter. I think the ceiling is a little low, but he can keep you in games. He can make throws when he’s clean in the pocket. By all accounts, his leadership and intelligence and toughness are off the charts. I think you’re going to see the warts show the more he plays.” As Brissett enters this seven-game stretch against mostly elite quarterbacks, the Browns would be wise to manage the game even more toward their powerful running game, especially in the red zone, where Brissett’s “warts” have been evident. On throws inside opponents’ 20-yard line, Brissett is 7 for 21 for 52 yards and four touchdowns, with a passer rating of 81.94. The Browns are not awful overall in red zone offense, ranking squarely in the middle with nine touchdowns in 16 trips inside the 20 (56.3 percent) – tied with the Chargers, Falcons and Jaguars. But with their defense not performing up to par and the upcoming schedule, any missed opportunity for touchdowns – or any points – in the red zone loom larger.
The pick: Browns 29, Chargers 28.
My record: 2-2.
