Browns Vs Raiders: Time to Get the Job Done

In my reaction to last week’s game, I discussed how the Cleveland Browns had done some very positive things in winning certain games this year. However, losing to Jacksonville left a big block unchecked: beating an inferior opponent (i.e.: a team that you’re “supposed to beat”) and taking advantage of an opportunity to give themselves a solid winning record. Fortunately, another opportunity presents itself this Sunday when the winless Oakland Raiders come into town.

So what do the Browns need to do to avoid a repeat of last week? Here is our preview of Browns Vs Raiders:

First, Brian Hoyer HAS to play a good game. Teams rarely win when their quarterback play poorly; however, in theory, a running team like the Browns is better equipped to overcome it. But Hoyer is in a unique situation. Until last week, he was able to drown out the Johnny Manziel buzz with his solid play. But every poor game will increase speculation of if or when Manziel will play this year. In this aspect alone, Hoyer is playing for his career.

More importantly, Hoyer’s performance is essential in terms of the game itself. It’s possible, despite the Raiders’ 29th-ranked rush defense, that the Browns’ running game will struggle again, as they continue to work to overcome the loss of Alex Mack and possibly shuffle bodies on the offensive line in the coming weeks. If the Browns are forced to go through the air, Hoyer will obviously need to be accurate and make sound decisions.

Secondly, and speaking of the running game, the Browns; running backs need to step up and take control of the game. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan dismissed the notion that the backs are having a hard time getting a rhythm and said he wanted one of them to step up and separate themselves. I cringed when I heard this at first, because I hate the idea of a disconnect between the coaches and players, but all 3 of the running backs needs to accept it as a challenge, and not a dismissal. Set the tone, control the clock, and feed off of the crowd. Running the ball is this team’s identity and the must reestablish it.

Third, the Browns HAVE to stop the run. This may seem like an almost impossible order given the course of the season, but despite only 411 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 3.7 yard per carry as a team so far, the Raiders to tout 2 very talented runners in Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. Their ability can’t be underestimated for a second, no matter their recent struggles or injury history. Shutting down the run will put the game into Derek Carr‘s hands, and will (hopefully) eventually force him into mistakes. This may sound like an obvious formula any given week, but playing a against a rookie quarterback like Carr means it’s all the more important to make the opponent one-dimensional.

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Fourth, on the other end of the defense, the Browns’ defensive backs must play disciplined football. Oakland touts some fairly big-bodied receivers and Cleveland can’t allow themselves to be killed by penalties when trying to slow them down.

Fifth, the coaching staff needs to settle on a punt returner. I understand that they’re trying to find the best player for the job since Travis Benjamin was removed from that role, but I can’t help but think the inconsistency is hurting. Jordan Poyer‘s muffed punt last week was arguably the turning point of the game. Even if Jim Leonhard isn’t the most athletic of the bunch, he provides steady hands and experience back there, which is what the Browns need to improve their dead-last punt return average.

Finally, and most obvious: The Browns must win. MUST. 3-4 may not be insurmountable but after last week the team can’t allow themselves to fall into another nosedive like they did last year at this time. It’s up to the leadership of this team to make that happen. Everyone has different theories on what good leadership looks like or entails. But, the most important quality is to be able to step up when times are tough, takes charge, demand success and lead to the front. If Brian Hoyer is the man we’ve all heard him to be, he needs to do this. So does Coach Pettine, as well as all the other veterans on the team. Focused anger is the key this week-anger at themselves for last week, anger at the doubters, and anger at anything that stands in the way of victory-mainly the guys in silver helmets.

There’s a lot to like about this Browns team, but this is THE week to find out if those things are enough to keep (or, for some, make us start) believing.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section and I’ll be happy to respond.

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