Factory Of Sadness
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Four Cleveland Browns Who Struggled In Week 2

By Jamyson Frierson

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Sep 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Dexter McCluster (22) is tackled by Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1.Whitner Has To Play As He Did In San Francisco

Hopefully this is the last time we have two Buckeyes in this column, but unfortunately this week we do. Donte Whitner, you are The Dawg in the “Dawg House.” Whitner didn’t have the worst overall game Sunday as he finished with eight total tackles and half a sack, but a lot of those takedowns were 20-30 yards down the field. In addition to his more tackling, his coverage was horrible. The most obvious example was the touchdown by Mariota to tight end Anthony Fasano towards the end of the third quarter. Craig Robertson was beaten by a mile and Whitner wasn’t there for the help which ultimately led to the score.

As a Pro Bowler and veteran, Whitner has to know that. He also failed to help last week when Joe Haden was getting embarrassed one-on-one by the Jets Brandon Marshall. The homecoming is over and it’s time that he steps it up and plays a better overall game. He has to stop tackling with his shoulder and wrap guys up. I haven’t seen Whitner make a textbook tackle since he signed with the Browns last season. That has always been one of his biggest issues and it has shown and cost the Browns on numerous opportunities. If he is going to continue make an impact, he must help his cornerbacks, read coverage’s and make the smart play. Just as with Haden last week, I doubt Whitner will look as bad as he did today.

Redemption will indeed be in his favor as he’ll be going up against a young receiving core in the Raiders.

Honorable Mention: Craig Robertson, Joe Thomas, Randy Starks ( Where art thou?)

Next: Watch: Merill Hoge Eats Johnny Manziel Sized Crow On ESPN

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