Three Keys to a Browns Victory Today

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) and Cleveland Browns center Nick McDonald (68) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

3. Brian Hoyer

Hoyer has regressed over the past few weeks. His accuracy has taken a hit and his deep ball has left something to be desired. Unlike the national thoughts of him, he wasn’t showing elite talent this season. Instead he was making things happen and keeping his team in manageable situations. The problems with the running game have impacted him. Teams aren’t biting as much on play fakes because the run game hasn’t been impactful. The same line issues, with defenders in the backfield early on run plays, has also been true for the passing game. With little time or space to step into his throws Hoyer has been off even in short routes.

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His deep ball is the bigger concern. When defenses believe you are not able to beat them over the top they start to stack the box. A stacked box causes issues for the Browns rushing attack as well as their short passing game. Even on some of the big plays the Browns have had in their passing game, Hoyer has under-thrown his receivers by quite a bit. A few times this was Hoyer being cautious and making sure the ball was completed. Many others it was an inability to drive the ball down the field. The high arcing throws give defenders time to recover, either to break up the pass or make the tackle. The Bucs will likely crowd the line until Hoyer proves he can beat them with his arm deep.

What are your keys to a victory today for the Browns?