{"id":45523,"date":"2018-07-04T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2018-07-04T13:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=45523"},"modified":"2018-07-03T22:43:40","modified_gmt":"2018-07-04T02:43:40","slug":"five-players-cleveland-browns-playoff-push","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/07\/04\/five-players-cleveland-browns-playoff-push\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Players Who Could Spearhead a Cleveland Browns Playoff Push"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since the NFL draft, the energy surrounding the Cleveland Browns<\/a> has been clearly felt, seen and heard. There are whispers (even shouts), that the team might find themselves in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.<\/p>\n

There are five players who will likely have enough impact to propel Cleveland to that sweet playoff spot.<\/p>\n

Five Players Who Could Help Precipitate a Cleveland Browns Playoff Push<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Tyrod Taylor<\/a> – Quarterback<\/h2>\n

While we\u2019re almost certain Baker Mayfield<\/strong><\/a> is the future of the Browns, we must acknowledge Tyrod Taylor<\/strong> as the present. He has won games. He started 43 games for the Buffalo Bills<\/a> over three seasons and threw 51 touchdowns. There\u2019s no reason to think he can\u2019t perform at that level in Cleveland. Taylor\u2019s work ethic is both admired and respected by teammates and coaches \u2013 both past and present. His professionalism and grit can\u2019t be faulted. This season, he has the opportunity to prove he still deserves to be QB1 for the foreseeable future. If all goes according to plan, the Browns will win games and Mayfield will have an extended learning period behind Taylor.<\/p>\n

Josh Gordon<\/a> \u2013 Wide Receiver<\/h2>\n

Think back to 2013 when\u00a0Josh Gordon<\/strong> led the league in receiving yards (1,646). He had five games with 150 or more receiving yards. Fast forward through the next five years and we remember Gordon was suspended for 54 out of 64 games. Gordon has promised he\u2019s on the straight and narrow, with his mantra being that he\u2019s given each day, and each day, he must make it a good day. Pat McManamon of\u00a0ESPN<\/a> believes that even if Gordon returns to two-thirds of his former self, the Browns will have an excellent receiver. However, Gordon himself aims to exceed others\u2019 expectations together with his own goals. If Gordon continues to strive for excellence, the offense could change dramatically \u2013 and in a good way.<\/p>\n

Denzel Ward<\/a> – Cornerback<\/h2>\n

The Browns needed a speedy cover corner \u2013 and that Denzel Ward<\/strong><\/a> is just that. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams<\/strong> knew Cleveland\u2019s defense was miserably lacking a solid cover specialist who could also run. Ward in the off-season has thus far proven that he\u2019s capable of playing immediately. Williams is confident Ward has the mental and physical ability to significantly contribute. \u201cFrom an intelligence standpoint, it is not very hard because he just has to count to one and cover the guy that is the first one in from the sideline. Now, from an ability standpoint, that is another thing, but he fits in ability-wise. He has covered some awfully good guys.\u201d Ward will be heavily depended on when the Browns face Pittsburgh\u2019s Antonio Brown<\/a><\/strong> and Cincinnati’s A.J. Green<\/a><\/strong> – and that\u2019s just from the AFC North.<\/p>\n

Myles Garrett<\/a> \u2013 Defensive End<\/h2>\n

Missing five games last year disguised the fact that Myles Garrett<\/strong> did have a solid rookie season. Seven sacks in 11 games isn\u2019t an accurate representation of the numbers he can rack up as an edge defender when he\u2019s at full health.\u00a0Pro Football Focus<\/a> even rated him third among rookie edge defenders (top 20 overall) with 37 total pressures from 300 passing snaps and a pass-rush productivity of 10.2. If he remains injury-free, the 2018 season may be the year he truly breaks out.<\/p>\n

Emmanuel Ogbah<\/a> \u2013 Defensive End<\/h2>\n

Garrett is excited about Emmanuel Ogbah<\/strong> and what they\u2019re both capable of when working together. Like Garrett, Ogbah was injured in 2017 (broken foot) – but whenever he\u2019s on the field, he produces in a big way. Ogbah is a fast and effective pass rusher, and when he\u2019s present, ends the possibility of double-teams on Garrett. Cleveland\u2019s defense benefits immensely from his abilities. Garrett has high hopes for both of them. \u201cI just think with how well we work together whether it\u2019s inside or on the outside rush\u2026 I think we can go for a pretty historic year.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wonderful thing about the Browns this season is the fact that these five players aren\u2019t the only ones who are expected to make a big impact on the success of the team. Expect a significant turnaround for the franchise this year.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>