Will the Browns learn to tackle or block in less than a week? I hope they do, because that’s why I’m watching. Scoring more than twenty points would also help. Washington will host Cleveland this Sunday at Northwest Stadium, 1:00pm EST. Last week the Commanders (3-1) beat the Cardinals 42-14, and the Browns (1-3) lost to the Raiders 20-16. For some weird reason the Commanders are only favored by three points.

Browns Offense vs. Commanders Defense

The big news at this week’s practice was the return of running backs Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines and offensive guard Michael Dunn. Of this group, the most likely to return to the game day roster would be Hines, but I doubt any of them will return this week. Hines and Dunn would be a considerable improvement. Tight end David Njoku has also returned to practice and would be a nice spark for the Cleveland offense. Unfortunately, it appears left tackle James Hudson and right tackle Dawand Jones will be the starters. I hope I’m wrong, because both Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin practiced Thursday. Right now, Cleveland’s offensive line can’t block. Defenses are running simple stunts against the Browns, and they can’t block them. If quarterback Deshaun Watson can get rid of the ball quickly, like he did against the Raiders, the offense can move the ball. Washington’s defense is very strong up the middle with linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. However, they are light at the ends allowing teams to run the ball. The Commander’s secondary has allowed ten touchdown passes with no interceptions, a 123.3 QBR to opposing quarterbacks and 55.5% third down conversion rate (worst in the league). Every member of their secondary has allowed the opposing quarterback a QBR of over 100.0. The Browns need to commit to the running game and stick to it. Washington is allowing 6.2 yards per rush, worst in the league. Sweeps and screen passes will loosen up the Washington blitz and stunts. Cleveland has scored on their opening drive every game, but then fall off the map the rest of the game because they can’t convert on third down. They’ll need to be more efficient on second down and score more than twenty points for once.

Browns Defense vs. Commanders Offense

The Washington offense after four games has been historic and effective. They average 3.6 points per drive. Of their last 23 scoring drives, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has thrown only nineteen incompletions. He’s completed 47 of his last 53 passes and the team has only punted four times this year and once in their last three games. Daniels is completing 81.2% of his passes and is completing 73.1% of his passes against man defense (best in the league). The Commander offensive line is number two in pass blocking. Offensively they have an all pro at wide receiver (Terry McLaurin) at tight end (Zach Ertz) and at running back (Austin Ekeler). They line up mostly in a two tight set, three near the goal line to allow designed running plays for Daniels. The Commanders are number one in third down and fourth down conversions. Daniels has only been sacked nine times, but only one has been contributed to the offensive line. The Brown defense has the number ten passing defense, number eleven total defense and number seven defense in opposing third down conversions. Cleveland’s defense is allowing opposing quarterbacks to only complete 59% of their passes. Daniels can hold on to the ball too long to allow the defense to pressure him and will run into sacks. The defense must pressure and contain Daniels, play him like they do Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. Wherever McLaurin goes, so should Denzel Ward. A linebacker or safety, or possibly CB Martin Emerson will have to shadow Ertz. Washington can run the ball, and they do it very well with Ekeler, Brian Robinson and Jeremy McNichols. Cleveland has to clog the running lanes. This will be the best defense the Commanders have seen this season, conversely, this is the best offense by far the Browns has seen this season.