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Browns pursuing Jadeveon Clowney is all about Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

By Matt Lombardo

Jadeveon Clowney, Tennessee Titans. (Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)
Jadeveon Clowney, Tennessee Titans. (Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports) /
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The Browns must bolster their pass rush if they are ever going to get past Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs

At the heart of the Cleveland Browns’ pursuit of veteran pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney is one objective; closing the gap on getting past Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Playoffs.

But, those inside the NFL are skeptical that adding a 28-year-old veteran will get Cleveland much loser to a Super Bowl appearance.

“It doesn’t change a thing when it comes to them and beating Mahomes,” an AFC scout tells FanSided. “Clowney will help, and make an impact, but just not the major impact they’re hoping for or need him to make in that regard.”

The Browns clearly hope pairing a competent — or better — pass-rusher opposite Myles Garrett will give the front-seven a chance at beating Mahomes.

Clowney isn’t the pass-rusher the Browns need to beat Mahomes and the Chiefs

Back in January’s AFC Divisional Playoff Game, Mahomes passed for 255 yards and a touchdown, before leaving with a concussion. He was only sacked once and hit three other times.

That’s just not going to get it done, especially against the most gifted quarterback walking the planet.

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed in the Super Bowl, relentlessly pressuring and knocking Mahomes around and off his spot in the pocket is the way to beat the Chiefs.

That night, the Buccaneers’ swarming front-seven sacked Mahomes three times, hit him 10 times, and batted down nine passes.

That’s what Cleveland, and the rest of the AFC, needs if they are going to get past Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC.

It is fair to wonder if Clowney, who didn’t produce a sack last season and had just three as a member of the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 can close the gap with Mahomes and the Chiefs. But, the Browns’ motivation for pursuing him is obvious.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL

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