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Cleveland Browns: Keys to a victory over the Patriots

By Jonathan Goehring

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball during warmups prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball during warmups prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws the ball as Washington Redskins defensive end Ziggy Hood (90) and Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) chase in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws the ball as Washington Redskins defensive end Ziggy Hood (90) and Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) chase in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensively, the Browns must do more of the same of what they have done in the past two weeks. This sounds strange, since the Browns have not won either game or lit up the scoreboard. But what they did do despite this was get their rookie quarterback into a groove early on in games which gave him a chance to succeed. As a result, quarterback Cody Kessler‘s vast improvement from Week 3 to Week 4 was evident.

The Browns will have their hands full against a disciplined New England defense, even more reason for them to keep the game plan simple for Kessler, especially in the first quarter. Running the ball effectively and staying ahead of the sticks by getting yards consistently on first and second down is the first step. Then, if necessary, Kessler’s play-action passes should be short and the ball should be released quickly. This serves multiple benefits, as it keeps the game simple for the rookie while it also decreases his chances of being hit a lot.

This strategy implemented by the Browns has netted Kessler two consecutive 200+ yard games through the air in his first two NFL starts. The Browns will need another similar performance from the former USC Trojan, which can only be duplicated by continuing the same game plan as the Browns have successfully set up for their young third-round draft pick. If they get one, the offense will be on track to set themselves up for a more dynamic sort of style later in the game which can maximize the amount of points they will score.

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