Cleveland Browns vs Broncos: 3 Matchups to watch in Week 9
By Randy Gurzi
![DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 08: Cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos celebrates as he intercepts a pass thrown by quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 08: Cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos celebrates as he intercepts a pass thrown by quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F600959698-850x560-fad3222c5787bc6fd9b50ee94dbb0b80bbd1469ed7820b699bfa0be710b2dfa1.jpg)
3. Steve Wilks vs. Denver run game
Knowing a young quarterback will be making his first start In this game has fans feeling as though Cleveland should have quite the advantage. That only holds true if the Browns put Brandon Allen in a position where he has to make the plays.
Denver will surely try and ease Allen into the game. Their plan should be to use their strong running back committee of Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay to get things going.
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Should they be able to get them moving the chains, that will open things up for Allen who will then be able to use play-action to buy time in the pocket. It could also keep him from facing any critical third-and-long situations.
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks needs to have a plan that keeps Denver from dictating things on offense. He has to shut down their run game and force Allen to put the ball in the air. If Allen has to throw on Cleveland’s schedule rather than his own, that plays right into Wilks’ hands.
If not, the Broncos have the talent around Allen to make things difficult. Even without Emmanuel Sanders — who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers — they have weapons with Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, and DaeSean Hamilton.
Should they all get comfortable, this game could be tough. However, dictating their own will on defense will keep that from happening thus greatly increasing their chances at winning.