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Cleveland Browns: 3-Step blueprint to Week 1 victory over Titans

By Martin McConnell

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 08: Defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 08: Defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Contain The Rushing Attack

Tennessee Titans running back and former Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry is a serious threat to the Cleveland Browns in this game. The former Alabama running back is a large part of Tennessee’s offensive attack, and his powerful running style can easily wear down a defensive front seven.

Henry has been Tennessee’s premier rushing since being taken in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The Titans have found part of their identity with Henry and an offensive line highlighted by Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin, as a hard-nosed team that loves to get creative with running the football. Marcus Mariota’s ability to make plays with his legs also works toward this identity, as the Titans often pride themselves on the rush.

The Browns are great on the defensive line, but they only have so much depth to keep rotating in and out. Limiting the Titans’ offensive attack by taking out the run can go a long way in keeping the Browns’ frightening defensive front feeling fresh.

Forcing quarterback Marcus Mariota to beat the Browns by throwing the ball seriously increases Cleveland’s chances at shutting down Tennessee’s offense completely. Once head coach Mike Vrabel’s hand is forced to get cute with the game plan, the Browns can really kick into gear defensively.

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