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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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Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) makes a catch over Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll (22) in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) makes a catch over Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll (22) in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

It sounds contradictory to emphasize a conservative offensive approach and then follow it up with a key of encouraging risks. But in Cleveland’s case, simplicity for Kessler does not mean he shouldn’t take risks. In reality, the Browns don’t have a chance to beat a team like the New England by simply moving the chains methodically. At some point on offense, they will need to air it out and hope for the best.

The Browns are certainly not overflowing with deep threats, especially with the news surrounding  Josh Gordon, the receiver who was supposed to return from his suspension this Sunday. Unfortunately, Gordon checked himself into rehab, preventing more flexibility for Hue Jackson‘s offense.

There is good news though, as the Browns have a deep threat in Terrelle Pryor, so they can take shots while still keeping the game simple for Kessler. They won’t have a chance if they fail to do this. The best time to take a deep shot is on a second down and short yardage, or a third-and-short in four-down territory.

Next: Cleveland Browns: Offensive line better than expected

Ultimately, the Browns must enter the game realizing that they will need explosive plays to stay competitive. They should make an attempt to find a happy medium between keeping the game simple for Kessler and running the ball a lot with taking the necessary deep shots which are intended to stimulate offensive production. If they can strike this balance successfully, Sunday could be a much more interesting afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium than anticipated.

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