James Hudson III to Start Against Steelers, Seeking Redemption

In the penultimate game of the 2021 regular season, then rookie offensive tackle James Hudson III walked off the field after a game in which he gave up four sacks to T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game the Cleveland Browns lost 26-14. Sunday, Hudson will once again start against the Steelers and Watt in the Browns regular season finale.

Last year's game was the symbolic end of Baker Mayfield's tenure as the Browns starting quarterback. He struggled in the game and then after the game, he complained that the coaching staff didn't do enough to help the rookie tackle.

Mayfield may have been trying to protect Hudson from criticism, but Mayfield was the primary reason Watt had those four sacks. After a season in which Mayfield played through a torn labrum and dealt with injuries in his leg, he simply could no longer function. He was broken. The culmination of the damage he'd taken over the year, Mayfield was unable to pull the trigger on open throws. Holding onto the ball on plays where the ball was designed to be out at the top of his drop enabled Watt the time to beat the overwhelmed rookie.

A year has passed and Hudson will once again take the field against Watt and the Steelers. Better and more prepared than he was a year ago, Hudson will have the opportunity to make a statement about where he is as a player after almost two full seasons in the NFL. Sure, it would be great if Hudson was somehow able to dominate Watt for four quarters, but that's an unlikely outcome.

But if Watson can do his job well enough to enable Deshaun Watson to find his receivers and move the offense, allowing the Browns to win the game, that will be plenty for the second-year tackle.

The Browns signed Conklin to a lucrative extension only a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Conklin has been ruled out of this game with an ankle injury he suffered against the Washington Commanders. That extension any idea that Hudson would step into the starting right tackle job next year. For Hudson, who has experience at both tackle spots, he may have his eye on competing for left tackle with Jedrick Wills next year. This game could provide further reason to believe that's a possibility.

Hudson has been on the field for 232 snaps this season, including as a fullback. He's been a terrific run blocker, showing noticeable power up front. The issue for Hudson has been his pass protection. He's still a work in progress in that area and when he's wrong, it's bad.

When the Browns put up 48 points against the Steelers in the wildcard game, they relied heavily on a quick passing game. Then, Mayfield was decisive and accurate, able to carve up the Steelers defense, picking apart their man coverage. They intended to go with the same strategy this time last year, but Mayfield couldn't execute it.

Given where Deshaun Watson is in his development, it will be interesting to see how the Browns attack the issue. They may be more inclined to attack them like the Baltimore Ravens, utilizing tight ends and bigger personnel to try to physically overwhelm the Steelers, using max protection to take shots down the field.

One element that could help Hudson is utilizing some of the read and option looks the Browns have employed since Watson became the quarterback. That would enable Hudson to run block even when it's going to be a pass. Play to his strengths and force Watt and the rest of the defense to worry about where the ball is going.

Certainly, Watson is able to execute a quick passing game, so if he and the coaching staff feel strongly about it, they could go with that approach.

There will be plenty to learn about the Browns in this game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns want to finish the season strong, winning five of their last seven while spoiling the Steelers playoff hopes. It will also be the last opportunity for a large number of young players to make an impression, none more than James Hudson III.