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Cleveland Browns: 5 keys to the home opener vs. Ravens

By Jonathan Goehring

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) reacts after his touchdown run Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) reacts after his touchdown run Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes an 11-yard reception during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Browns 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes an 11-yard reception during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Browns 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

While the Browns had some exciting long passing plays last week, the team struggled immensely to find consistency. They only earned 14 first downs and were just two-of-10 on third down, mostly due to the long-yardage situations the team put itself in on first and second downs. This contributed to one of the larger problems for the Browns, the almost 20 minute gap in time of possession.

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This will all change if drives are sustained. While this goes back to the first key, the players must also perform their roles. The running backs must be smart, and must have a nose for the first down marker. If Cleveland’s goal is to get first downs one at a time, use a little clock, and effectively move down the field using a variety of pass and run plays, many problems would suddenly disappear.

Another way drives must be extended is by using the tight ends. Gary Barnidge was only targeted twice last week, dropping both, but ideally should be playing an even bigger role in Jackson’s offense than he did last season. The Browns’ many two tight end formations means that another tight end will need to step up, whether that is Randall Telfer or Seth DeValve. But Barnidge, who caught nine touchdown passes and recorded 1,043 receiving yards in 2015, is a more likely target when it comes to the pass attack.

Tight ends are important to Cleveland’s offense this week because their large frames and consistent hands must be taken advantage of, particularly in third-down situations. If the Browns do this successfully, and each third-down situation is a manageable one, they will be able to sustain drives and reverse several of the troubling trends of last week.

Next: Don't over pursue

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