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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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Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns 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; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Browns can get the Bengals to abandon the rushing attack, they will be on their way. However, finishing will be dependent on if their pass rush can actually get to quarterback Andy Dalton.

In order to do this, the defensive line and linebackers have to work together. In situations in which Ray Horton decides to dial-up a blitz, the line has to get the push, collapsing the pocket. Then, the linebackers on the edge who are some of the team’s most talented pass rushers can force Dalton to step up in a crowded pocket. This will lead to many sacks, or incompletions at the very least.

Also, look for Carl Nassib to have a monster game if the Browns can stop the run. The rookie out of Penn State has excelled in limited pass rushing opportunities this season. As an edge rusher with speed, Nassib can capitalize on an offensive line that has a hard time protecting the blind side.

Of course, the ability to collapse the pocket is dependent on whether or not Cleveland actually sends six or seven pass rushers. Against a tight end like Tyler Eifert, they may want their linebackers to help out in pass coverage. Plus, with a weak secondary, whether or not the pass rush will actually have time to get to Dalton is uncertain.

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