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Cleveland Browns: Keys to Thursday night showdown with Ravens

By Jonathan Goehring

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end /

The red zone is such a key area for the Browns tonight. Though Baltimore’s defense is one of the best in the league statistically, they have had their ups and downs this season. The Browns should be able to move the ball against a team that excels against the run, since Cleveland doesn’t run much anyway. It won’t be hard for the Browns to get yards and first downs, but finishing drives won’t be as simple.

Where the game will be decided for the Browns is inside the Baltimore 20-yard-line. Linebackers Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley, and Elvis Dumervil always seem to step up when the opponent is on the verge of a touchdown. Cleveland must find some way to work the middle of the field against them using Gary Barnidge, or possibly Duke Johnson on a screen pass.

The matchup inside the red zone does not appear to be a favorable one for Cleveland, but it is one they must find a way to have success in. This means that the Browns simply cannot settle for field goals on possession after possession. Even if it means taking several risks, every option must be considered. No stone should be left unturned in a primetime game of this magnitude.

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