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Cleveland Browns: Keys to victory against Cincinnati

By Jonathan Goehring

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes a catch against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes a catch against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) makes a catch in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) makes a catch in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The biggest challenge for Cleveland when these teams met in Week 7 was slowing down Cincinnati’s pass offense. This time though, it will be a much different story. With the Browns’ offense becoming worse and worse over the past few weeks, and the cold weather becoming a major factor, it will be the team’s offense that makes or breaks them.

Since it is very clear that the Browns have virtually no run game, it is inevitable that at least two-thirds of their plays will be through the air. With Robert Griffin III returning, his ability to throw accurately will be critical.

In order to increase the chances of this happening, Cleveland must run short routes and creatively involve their running backs and tight ends in the passing game. This is what they did very well in the last meeting, a game in which the Browns put up 352 yards of offense.

Quick routes are not natural to Terrelle Pryor or Corey Coleman, but they have to be able to execute five-yard gains early on to help out the offensive line. Of course, accuracy is critical in these short throws, as they must be right on in order to maximize opportunities for yards after the catch.

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