TACKLING THE BROWNS’ BIGGEST NEED

Watching the NFL playoffs is a lot of fun.

The games are compelling and mostly close. The competition is fierce. Guys battle through a season’s worth of injuries to play.

Indeed, the storylines are endless and incredibly interesting.

But along with the enjoyment and entertainment factor, watching the playoffs provides you with a really clear picture of what the Browns need to do to be able to stack up against the best teams.

Offensively, they have the quarterback in Deshaun Watson, the running back in Nick Chubb, the tight ends and mostly the line. They have two good wide receivers. What they need — really, really need — is a great wideout, someone who is fast and can run downfield to make plays to take the top off of the defense. They need a pass-catcher who scares opposing defensive coordinators.

On defense, the Browns have a tremendous end in Myles Garrett, but they need another end to pair with him or else teams will just constantly run, and pass, away from him. They are pretty good in the secondary, but they need an impact linebacker, or two.

But where they need the most help on defense is at tackle. They may have had the worst tackles in the league this season and the worst in team history. They need at least two new tackles and probably three, guys who can be stout against the run and collapse the middle of the pocket on pass plays.

Pass coverage is great, but rushing the passer, hitting him, sacking him and altering his throws, is essential. As new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz pointed out at his introductory press conference, you can’t cover all day. You’ve got to get after the quarterback.

With a big-time wideout and at least two quality tackles, the Browns could make big strides next season. Without these additions, though, they will run in place and win just seven games again.

Steve King