Browns vs Commanders: 3 big changes Cleveland needs to make to win in Week 5

Jim Schwartz and Kevin Stefanski in the spotlight this week

It’s Week 5, but it seems like it’s a must-win for the Cleveland Browns. Following another disappointing loss at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Browns will look to get on track this Sunday when they travel to the nation’s capital to take on the suddenly surging Washington Commanders.

The Commanders have three offensive players who could ruin the day for Cleveland but one has missed the first two practices of the week.

The Browns will also look to get their first win against an NFC East opponent this season.

Cleveland is back on the East Coast, kickoff is at 1:00 PM.

Another week, another FOX broadcast but the Browns will get the B-team after getting FOX’s A-team for the season opener. Jason Benetti (Joe Davis is covering the NLDS) Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver will be on the call.

Here are the three changes HC Kevin Stefanski and DC Jim Schwartz need to make this week:

Avoid playing man defense against Jayden Daniels, make things difficult for him

It’s safe to say that rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is playing lights out the last two weeks. However, it is fair to question the defenses that he went up against. The Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals rank 30th and 27th in defensive EPA/per play. In terms of efficiency, that’s bad.

When I watched the all-22, Daniels was able to go through his progressions with ease, with little to no resistance. With that being said, the Browns defense has to make things uncomfortable for him. Cleveland ranks third in Pass Rush Win Rate, which is probably the highest the Commanders will face at this point this season.

Washington’s offensive line has been decent but this is another test against a stout defensive line (they played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1).

Another thing Cleveland should avoid is playing man defense against Daniels. Dual-threat QB’s thrive off man defense because once the defender’s back is turned, it allows them to take off and gain additional yardage.

If Cleveland wants to leave Washington with a victory, they must make things difficult for the young rookie quarterback.

Will the Browns offense put together a complete game?

Cleveland’s offense has struggled during the first four weeks and some believe that if Kevin Stefanski gave up play-calling duties it could help. However, Stefanski chose the right and appropriate answer to that question.

Injuries to the offensive line and other positions and lack of time, have hampered this offense from producing. They are the only team in the league this year to not put up 300 yards of offense this year (it would have been 300+ if the Amari Cooper TD wasn’t called back) but the offense has shown the ability to look competent.

The issue is, it hasn’t been consistent.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson played well last week but his supporting cast let him down. The team could get tight end David Njoku back which could help and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has been a bright spot.

The offensive line has their issues but those issues will work out with more time together.

Washington’s defense is dead last in EPA/per play so Cleveland should take advantage of the opportunity against a defense that has its own issues.

It’s the little things

The Browns are 1-3 for many reasons but the team could be easily 2-2 or 3-1 if they eliminated the small mistakes that plagued them.

Last week against the Raiders, the Browns made crucial mistakes that cost them an easy win. Attention to detail matters and it’s a huge difference.

Defensively, avoid making the big plays and play soundly. Offensively, just continue to get better and good things will happen. Cleveland could’ve easily folded when things got tough but they didn’t.

Focus on the little things and you can get out of Washington with a positive trajectory.

What changes do you think the Browns need to make in Week 5 to get the victory? Share your thoughts in the comment section below