NFL Predictions Week 3: 4 Cleveland Browns Who Need To Step Up Against Miami

The Browns are 1-1, but they could have been 2-0 had some of their key players stepped up during the first two weeks.

Thankfully for them, several players who were non-factors in Week 1 had strong performances against the Indianapolis Colts during their Week 2 victory. But there are still some players that need to come alive for the team to keep winning.

Here are four Browns who need to elevate their play against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.

Brian Robiskie

Wide receiver Brian Robiskie has been a ghost this season, failing to catch a pass during the first two games.

If quarterback Colt McCoy and the Browns are to succeed, Robiskie needs to start making an impact. He looked poised to have a breakout 2011 after he played well at the end of 2010, but that has not happened.

Robiskie will have plenty of chances to turn his season around against Miami’s weak pass defense. But the Browns will have difficulty against the Dolphins if he cannot assert his presence.

Jayme Mitchell

The Browns defensive line has been strong during the first two games, but it can be even better if defensive end Jayme Mitchell starts making plays.

Although Mitchell has played well this season, he should be able to make more of an impact as offenses start focusing their attention on fellow defensive lineman Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard and Ahtyba Rubin, who have all been good thus far.

Mike Adams

Free Safety Mike Adams has not been bad for the Browns, but the team’s defense can be very effective if he steps up his game.

Adams has yet to defend any passes or record any interceptions this season. Second-year defensive backs Joe Haden and T.J. Ward are developing into excellent players, so offenses will start trying to throw the ball more toward Adams and Sheldon Brown as the season continues, giving him plenty of chances to make interceptions.

If Adams can protect his side of the field, opposing teams will have a difficult time throwing against Cleveland.

Montario Hardesty

The Browns coaches have not called running back Montario Hardesty’s number many times this season, but they will need him to be dependable if they hope to keep Peyton Hillis from burning out.

Hardesty failed to reach the end zone when the Browns gave him the ball near the Colts’ goal line. He will need to elevate himself if he expects to get more carries and earn the coaches’ trust.

Miami’s rushing defense is nothing special, and Hardesty should get enough chances to prove he can aid Hillis in the running game.