As Cleveland travels to Baltimore today, here are the final notes for the Browns as they gear up for the Ravens
The week changes but the story stays the same for Cleveland. The injured Browns are the inferior opponent and are fighting an uphill battle. Have you ever heard that before?
The Browns will be starting some combination of James Hudson III, Geron Christian or their third-string right tackle Leroy Watson, a former practice squad player for San Francisco, at tackle due to injuries to Jedrick Wills Jr. and Dawand Jones.
This would be a disadvantage against any opponent, let alone the Ravens who have the number two ranked defense and the number six ranked offense.
Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during warm ups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Kevin Stafanski has fought a similar battle before. What must the Browns do on Sunday to stick in the game and have a chance to win?
1. Win the Turnover Battle
This is a must for Cleveland. The Browns defense is good enough to keep Cleveland in the game all afternoon. If Deshaun Watson and the offense turn the ball over, it will be an uphill battle for the Browns to have a chance to win.
2. Limit the Big Play
Cleveland’s defense has been susceptible to the big play in spurts this year. The aggressive nature of Jim Schwartz defense will lead to that, but on Sunday, the Browns must contain the Ravens and not allow them any big plays.
Dec 12, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Devonta Freeman (33) runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (96) and defensive back Grant Delpit (22) defend during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
3. Deshaun Watson Needs to be Special
This is why you bring Deshaun Watson to Cleveland, to be special in games like this. He doesn’t need to be perfect all day, but when it counts he needs to show up.
If he doesn’t turn the ball over all day, the Browns will have a chance to win at the end. A signature Deshaun Watson two-minute drive to end the game may be the difference.
Although Cleveland is +6.5 point underdogs, they are going to have a chance on Sunday. If they can hit these three keys, don’t be surprised if Cleveland comes back to Cleveland 6-3.
