Cleveland Browns: 5 keys vs. the Miami Dolphins

Winning the field position battle is a critical step to winning any football game, but especially an ugly one like what the Cleveland vs. Miami matchup is expected to be.

Normally, field position is regarded as the responsibility of the special teams unit, but this is far from the case. While the punting unit especially has a significant impact on field position, both the offense and defense have equal responsibility for this paramount aspect of the game.

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Offensively, the Browns have to find a way to move the ball efficiently and methodically. They will not score on every possession, and may struggle to find the end zone in the first half with a rookie quarterback starting, but they need to still do what they can to shift field position when possible. This may mean taking fewer risks, but in this type of game, fewer risks offensively will pay off if they benefit field position.

On defense, the Browns need to back Miami’s offense as close to their own end zone as much as possible, and then apply pressure. Too often, the Browns get a stop, but not until the opposing offense gets to midfield. Cleveland has rarely gotten three and outs in the early stages of the season, which must change this week.

While getting a stop after three or four first downs may not seem any different then a three and out since neither situation harms the Browns on the scoreboard, field position is impacted, and the Browns must be cognizant of this.

Of course, it still comes down to the execution of the special teams unit to flip field position. But what too many fail to realize is the impact the rest of the team has on this critical aspect of the game. Especially in a game which will likely be low scoring and close, and most especially in the fourth quarter. The Browns must focus on the field position battle, and work hard to make this element of the game work in their favor.