Five Keys to Success for the Browns Against the Jaguars
After a disappointing 33-17 Week One loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Cleveland Browns are hoping to bounce back in Week Two. The Browns will travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars, another team hoping to bounce back after a close Week One loss to the Miami Dolphins. Both teams have playoff aspirations, making this Week Two matchup crucial for setting their seasons on the right track. Here are five keys to success for the Browns against the Jaguars in Week Two.
1. Strong Offensive Line Play
The Browns’ offensive line allowed six sacks and 17 quarterback hits on Deshaun Watson last week. By all means, Deshaun Watson did not play well, but it would be very difficult for any quarterback to succeed with that performance out of his offensive line. Additionally, the Cowboys’ defense had six tackles for losses on run or screen plays. The good news for the Browns is that two-time All-Pro tackle Jack Conklin returned to practice on Thursday. Last week, backup James Hudson III got the start. Hudson was ranked 72 out of 81 eligible tackles in pass protection last season according to PFF. A strong performance from the offensive line will not only help Deshaun Watson play well, but it will help establish the run.
2. Penalty Free Football
Last week, the Browns committed 11 penalties costing the team 64 yards. Many of the penalties were inexcusable mental errors. The Browns had three illegal formation penalties, two false starts, two defensive offsides, and one ineligible man downfield. Additionally, the Browns also have two offensive holding penalties. The plethora of offensive penalties served as drive killers, placing the team behind the sticks and forcing the Browns into pass-only situations. If the Browns can play clean football, they should be able to put themselves into “third and manageable” situations and move the ball offensively.
3. Control the Line of Scrimmage on Defense
Defensively, the biggest key to the game for the Browns is to dominate the line of scrimmage. The Browns boast one of the best defensive lines in the league highlighted by Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. The Browns need to consistently get pressure on Trevor Lawrence. Additionally, they need to get into the backfield and neutralize Travis Etienne in the run game. By putting pressure on Lawrence, the defense can force him into making mistakes that elite defensive backs Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson, and Grant Delpit can take advantage of.
4. Establishing the Run
Last week, after the Browns fell into a 14-3 hole against the Cowboys, they essentially had to abandon the run game hoping to generate some quick offense. If the Browns focus on establishing the run early, if done successfully, they can move the ball down the field while controlling the clock and wearing down the defense. Running back Jerome Ford was arguably the shining star of the offense carrying the ball 12 times for 44 yards and a garbage time touchdown. While the team is yearning for Nick Chubb to return from injury, Ford was a solid replacement last year, rushing for over 800 yards and four touchdowns in addition to catching five more touchdowns. Additionally, establishing the run will open up the play-action passing game which will hopefully lead to some easy completions for Deshaun Watson.
5. Turnover Free Game From Deshaun Watson
The final key to success for the Browns against the Jaguars is for Deshaun Watson to have a turnover-free game. Last week, he threw two interceptions and a handful of passes that could have been intercepted. Additionally, at times, he held the ball for too long, leaving himself vulnerable for strip sacks. To win games, the Browns don’t need Watson to play the way he did when he was one of the best signal callers in the league in 2019. All the Browns need is for Deshaun to make good decisions, hit the open man, and take care of the football. If Deshaun continually fails to do so, they should thoroughly consider making Jameis Winston the starter.
