5 keys to a Cleveland Browns upset over Baltimore
By Clay Goodwin
4. Limit penalties
The Browns were 4th worst in the league last season in number of penalties with 122. That’s over seven and a half penalties a game. Winning in the NFL is very difficult when teams hurt themselves with penalties. The Browns struggled all year long with discipline issues, evidenced by the fact the Browns were second-worst in the league in preventable penalties such as both false starts and roughing the passer.
Cleveland needs to be better this season in preventing penalties. Penalties always seemed to come in crucial moments and killed their offensive momentum by ruining good drives and leaving points off of the scoreboard.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski preaches discipline and composure. The players seem early on as if they respond well to coach Stefanski and are buying into his system. They will be more comfortable in the game plan and ultimately more prepared to execute. He will have the team fundamentally sound and mentally focused for the matchup which will hopefully eliminate unnecessary penalties for the Browns.
Cleveland has more than enough talent to beat the Ravens, but it is unbelievably important that they minimize penalties. An established, veteran team like Baltimore will not beat themselves and will also capitalize on the mental lapses of opponents.
Look for Stefanski to have the team ready and the penalties will be low; the game could get ugly otherwise.