Thursday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers not only provides Cleveland a chance to pick up a key, early-season win in the AFC North, but also presents the Browns an opportunity to add to their offense a piece that has been missing the first three games of the season.
Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion.
Despite the Browns’ need for a catch-and-run threat, Concepcion has yet to find a rhythm with quarterback Deshaun Watson, entering the game with 12 catches for 80 yards thus far.
Locked On Browns host Spencer German said Concepcion’s quiet start is more a product of off-target throws and missed timing with Watson than a lack of opportunity. German argued that Cleveland needs to give Concepcion usable touches underneath, where his ability to create after the catch can turn routine completions into more productive plays.
Enter the Steelers and their potentially favorable schematic matchup. German said Pittsburgh’s zone-heavy coverages, particularly Cover 3 looks, could create space for quick throws to the slot and other underneath targets. Concepcion is listed at both starting wide receiver and punt returner on the Browns’ current depth chart, reinforcing how much they value getting the ball in his hands.
That approach also could help protect Watson against a Steelers pass rush that has created problems without relying exclusively on blitzes. With Pittsburgh linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith among the NFL’s early sack leaders, fast decisions and cleaner protection will be central to the Browns’ offensive game plan.
Protection remains unsettled because Browns center Elgton Jenkins (concussion) has yet to practice this week. German called a possible Jenkins absence especially costly against Pittsburgh’s front, not only because of the individual matchup but because Cleveland’s rebuilt offensive line is still trying to establish continuity.
German’s larger point is straightforward: Concepcion does not need a deep-shot game to change the offense. If Watson can hit him in rhythm on screens, jet motions and short zone-beaters, the rookie can give Cleveland a more reliable way to stay ahead of the chains in a matchup between two offenses that have struggled on third down and in the red zone.
The Browns host the Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET. Jenkins’ final status and Cleveland’s willingness to prioritize Concepcion early will help determine whether the offense can find a more efficient rhythm in its first AFC North game.
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