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Cleveland Browns: Keys to victory in week 15 trip to Buffalo

By Jonathan Goehring

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan (right) and his brother assistant head coach/defense Rob Ryan look on from the sideline during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. The Steelers beat the Bills 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan (right) and his brother assistant head coach/defense Rob Ryan look on from the sideline during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. The Steelers beat the Bills 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) runs with the ball against the defense of Cleveland Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium.The Miami Dolphins defeat the Cleveland Browns 34-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) runs with the ball against the defense of Cleveland Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium.The Miami Dolphins defeat the Cleveland Browns 34-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

In a season like the one the Browns are currently in the midst of, it is very easy to over-react and try too hard. This became very clear on special teams last week when they ran out three kickoffs instead of taking a touchback to the 25-yard-line, costing them field position each time.

Much like the first key, the Browns have to capitalize on any opening the Bills give them. Buffalo has some talent, but they by no means will play a flawless game. Taking what is there for the taking will get the Browns closer to victory than they may realize.

Much of this is on special teams, but it isn’t just this unit where this adjustment has to be made. Defensively, Cleveland must be careful not to over pursue in their pass rush against a mobile quarterback. Taylor will take off and run, and could easily take over the game with his legs. Making sure the pocket is secure takes discipline and coordination, two areas where the Browns have struggles immensely this season.

Also, since the Bills like to place an extra offensive lineman and tight end on the left side of the formation and run McCoy to the right, Cleveland has to avoid being drawn in. They must stick with their assignments and not over-react to any given formation.

Next: Week 15: Passing on the Big Dogs

Most of all, when something doesn’t go Cleveland’s way, the Browns must keep playing. As this past Sunday’s game revealed, there are lots of opportunities throughout games to recover from mistakes that are made. A fast start would be nice, but it isn’t essential in this one.

It will be fascinating to observe in this one whether or not the Browns and Bills will come out with the intensity that they will need to win. Both teams are in positions where quitting is common, yet the best can come out as well. This is why this game is so unpredictable in many ways. But what is known is that the Browns will absolutely need to play four quarters consistently, an pay attention to these five areas especially.

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