Cleveland Browns: 5 Players to watch vs. Jets in Week 3

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 16: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns hands to the ball off to Carlos Hyde #34 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 16: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns hands to the ball off to Carlos Hyde #34 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Robinson #21 of the New Orleans Saints tackles David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Robinson #21 of the New Orleans Saints tackles David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

TE, David Njoku

David Njoku has certainly had his ups and downs, unfortunately the last significant ups were in the preseason with his pair of touchdowns against the New York Giants in Week 1. He offers perhaps the largest playmaking ability on the roster, yet has struggled to make an impact throughout the first two weeks.

Thus far in regular season play, Njoku has provided only seven catches for 33 yards with an eight yard grab being the longest. As he has shown in the preseason and the 2017 regular season, he has a great deal more to offer.

I am certainly not placing fault in Njoku’s hands, however a collection of dropped passes are indeed on him. The bulk of his lackluster play is a direct result of the Browns’ inability to move the ball downfield under quarterback Tyrod Taylor and offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Shy of knowing the specific plays called and the resulting passing decisions it is hard to pinpoint where the fault truly lies. Either way, they must utilize his athleticism down the field to reap the benefits he can offer.

I also expect Njoku to light up the highlight reel very soon. He certainly has the capability to do so. Given the offensive dormancy it is hard to guess when that might be, however. I would like to see him have some opportunities further down the field and fans will certainly be watching, and waiting.