The Browns are back at it this afternoon. But instead of playing in Orchard Park, they're playing in Detroit thanks to the several feet of snow Buffalo has gotten over the last couple days. Initially I thought a snow game was the only chance the Browns had to win this one, but nobody's playing the game in six feet of snow.
Cleveland is a 7.5-point underdog going into today, but there are still ways the Browns can compete, and just maybe steal one. Likely? No. But every team has weaknesses. The Bills are no exception. And some of those weaknesses and struggles factor heavily into the Keys to Victory today. Let's take a look!
Control the flow of the game early
Even though the Browns lost badly last week in Miami, part of that was because they never established a consistent rhythm. I thought that first touchdown of the game last week was great! A straight up textbook drive for a team that's a clear underdog on the road. But after that? The Browns just seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. They can't do that again today. If they get into a rhythm early, they have to maintain it by running Nick Chubb early and often. Over their last two games, Buffalo's run defense has surrendered an average of 140 rushing yards, and five yards per carry on the ground in their back to back losses to the Jets and Vikings. If I'm a head coach, and I'm seeing that? I'm licking my chops and looking to take advantage of their skid on the ground.
Use the run to set up deep shots with play action
The Bills secondary has been playing well for the majority of the season. But if I'm the Browns? I still take shots downfield if and when they present themselves. They've got nothing to lose at this point of the season. May as well let it fly!
Perhaps the Bills' performance in the secondary last week was a fluke, but Buffalo gave up 193 yards to Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson last week. I doubt Amari Cooper or Donovan Peoples-Jones will have a game that big against them today. But the potential is still there to gash them through the air if the running game is rolling with Nick Chubb. A balanced offense here is the key. Get Chubb going early, and if Buffalo consistently brings up the corners and safeties in the box to stop the run, get it to the open man downfield or over the middle. DPJ and Cooper both have the speed to stretch the defense.
Force turnovers and get after Allen
Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney were absolutely invisible last week. They had zero sacks between them, and the Browns defense as a whole had a combined one measly sack last week. The big boys up front need to eat today if the Browns want to have any chance to win!
If they consistently get pressure on Josh Allen? He may actually make some mistakes they can capitalize on. The Bills have had several turnovers, and unforced errors over the last two weeks. They've uncharacteristically been shooting themselves in the foot. The Browns need to take advantage of that trend. But it all starts with getting loose up front and wreaking havoc. Where's that pass rush that Browns defensive line coach Chris Kiffin cooked up against Cincinnati? We need another one of those days today!
Injuries and other notes
Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills are all supposed to play this week for the Browns offensive line.
Rookie cornerback Martin Emerson is supposed to start for Greg Newsome today after Newsome got a concussion last week.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and tight end David Njoku are both playing today. Good news!
Kickoff: 1 PM, CBS
Sources: nfl.com, Dawgs By Nature
Picture Credit: sportsbettingny.com
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