The Passing Game Must Improve

There were many positives in the Cleveland Browns’ tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the passing game certainly wasn’t one of them. Sloppy weather conditions and a new system all contributed to a shaky offensive debut for offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Tyrod Taylor finished 15-40 for 197 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The offensive line gave up seven sacks. Duke Johnson and Josh Gordon only had one catch each. Haley has plenty of tape to show the team of where they can improve heading into Week 2.

A factor the Browns cannot control is the weather, but they won’t have to worry about that this week in the Superdome. The Browns will be facing off against a New Orleans Saints defense fresh off of giving up 48 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Due to a suspension to Jameis Winston, the Bucs were playing with their backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick used the opportunity to torch the Saints’ secondary to the tune of 417 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints’ defense wasn’t able to record a sack or interception either.

Cleveland will have to stabilize their offense on Sunday against New Orleans if they want to earn their first road victory since October of 2015. It takes time to build a rhythm when you consider 31 new players on the roster and a new offensive coordinator, but Drew Brees and co. are not waiting around for them to develop that rhythm. Despite the Saints’ defensive struggles, Brees still threw for 400 yards and put up 40 points on the Buccaneers. The Browns will need to be prepared for a shootout.

Tyrod Taylor knows he has to be better and I predict he will be on Sunday. 15-for-40 isn’t going to cut it in any offense. The Saints’ backend clearly has question marks and the Browns have similar personnel to the Buccaneers. Look for a vast improvement passing game wise in Week 2 after an extra week of practice and no rain.

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