5 keys to a Cleveland Browns upset over Baltimore

1. Stop their run game

As previously mentioned, last year the Ravens set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single season. That is an incredibly impressive accomplishment. The main rushers for the ravens were Lamar Jackson with 1,206, Mark Ingram with 1,018, and Gus Edwards with 711 yards. They also just drafted J.K. Dobbins in the second round of the draft. Dobbins just ran for over 2,000 yards and had 21 touchdowns with Ohio State.

Baltimore wants to run the ball early and often. It makes their offense dangerous because they can attack defenses from all angles. They wear defenses down and then can hit them over the top with a pass play. While they have some talented receiving weapons, and Jackson can surely throw the ball, they heavily rely on their run game for their success.

The Browns were 30th in the league last year at stopping the run. That absolutely has to change if the team wants to make the playoffs, and especially if they want to beat the Ravens. GM Andrew Berry and his staff have added some players to try to be better. Players include third-round linebacker Jacob Phillips, third-round defensive tackle Jordan Elliot, free-agent middle backer B.J. Goodson, hard-hitting safety Karl Joseph, and newly acquired safety Ronnie Harrison, as well as others.

The defensive line depth is also bolstered as the starters are healthy and ready to play games together. They will need to be the strength of the defense to combat the Ravens run game in week one.

If the team can pursue the football and make plays around the line of scrimmage, it will force Baltimore to play a different style of game which benefits the Browns.

If the Browns can manage to accomplish a few of these keys, they will come out of Baltimore 1-0 and a great start to the season.