Cleveland Browns: Keys to season finale in Pittsburgh

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Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs the ball during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

A fast start has been a foreign concept to the Browns in 2016. If they want to win on Sunday, scoring first will need to be their New Year’s resolution.

Even in a win last week, the Chargers cruised down the field against an unprepared Cleveland defense in eight plays. Down 7-0 is no small hole for the Browns, and it seems like they face it every week.

Winning the opening possession on both sides of the ball would work wonders for the Browns. To begin the game with the score in their favor would put immediate pressure on a young quarterback and a Steelers team which is ready for a comfortable victory.

Doing this means coming out prepared, and playing aggressively right out of the gate. A soft zone defense won’t work against a Pittsburgh offense. Likewise, two one-yard carries and a third down incompletion won’t cut it on offense.

Devoting an entire key to the first drive of the game seems like a waste. But given the Browns’ struggles to begin the game with intensity, this should be a point of emphasis. Setting the tone is key, and for the Browns this week it may be their only hope.

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