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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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Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

If everything goes right for the Browns, they may still find themselves in a fourth quarter battle with a feisty Ravens team. If this is the case, the Browns will have to do something they haven’t even gotten an opportunity to do yet, close out a game. Executing down the stretch has been a struggle the past few seasons.

Many think that the new regime and coach Jackson will fix the fourth quarter woes Cleveland seems to consistently have, but no basis to this thought will be provided until the team can actually close out a victory.

While it may seem strange to focus on the end of the game when the Browns have numerous other problems to worry about, it is a legitimate concern for fans to have entering the home opener. Being a rivalry game and the first game in front of the home fans at FirstEnergy Stadium, the Browns should rise to the occasion and give their best effort. This, coupled with what they hope to be a clean game throughout, will put them in a position late in the game and give them an opportunity to win.

To do all of this for naught seems like the logical next installment of misery for Browns fans. It also seems possible due to the circumstances surrounding the game, and how the team’s focus is on more of the bigger aspects of the game that need to be corrected.

Whether it comes down to a last second field goal, or if it is a matter of getting a stop or finishing a drive in the closing moments of Sunday’s game, the Browns have to play sound football at the right times along with all of their other improvements to win the game. This starts with coaching, and trickles down to all of the players. Situational football must be a concern for Cleveland, especially finishing strong.

Next: Browns season could be lost on Sunday

If the Browns can successfully achieve all of these keys, they will be looking at a .500 record. It is difficult to imagine the extent to which a victory this Sunday would jolt this franchise. It will be tough, nearly impossible many claim, but the Browns recognize what needs to be done to turn the team around, and climb right back into the race.

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