Browns guard Zion Johnson admits Cleveland must improve its protection after Deshaun Watson was sacked eight times against the Jets.
Cleveland Browns guard Zion Johnson acknowledged that the offensive line must improve after quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked eight times during Sunday’s 17-12 loss to the New York Jets. The protection problems became a major concern for the Browns following another difficult offensive performance.
Johnson made it clear that responsibility extends beyond the offensive linemen. Running backs and tight ends also play important roles in keeping Watson protected against opposing defenses.
“When you see that, that’s something as an offensive line and tight end, running back group, we definitely look at that and want to do better,” Johnson said, according to comments shared by reporter Camryn Justice.
The Browns guard explained that the mistakes were not necessarily widespread across every play. Instead, individual breakdowns disrupted otherwise workable protection assignments.
“Looking at the tape from an execution point of view, there were just some plays where we were just one-off,” Johnson said. His assessment suggested that relatively small mistakes contributed to Watson repeatedly facing pressure.
Cleveland has already begun addressing those problems through film review and team meetings. Johnson indicated that the group identified corrections intended to improve its execution.
“We know that if we do that, we can provide a pocket for Deshaun where he’ll feel comfortable and be able to be the player he has been,” Johnson added.
The Browns’ offensive struggles have increased scrutiny of their ability to protect Watson and sustain drives. Eight sacks represented a significant obstacle for an offense attempting to establish consistency.
For Johnson, the priority is turning those corrections into better protection on game day. Cleveland needs its blockers working together to give Watson. more opportunities to operate comfortably.
Cleveland Browns guard Zion Johnson acknowledged that the offensive line must improve after quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked eight times during Sunday’s 17-12 loss to the New York Jets. The protection problems became a major concern for the Browns following another difficult offensive performance.
