Cleveland Browns: 3 keys to victory against Cincinnati Bengals

Key to victory No. 2: Establish, stick with the run

The Cleveland Browns offense may have not done well passing the ball on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, but they definitely ran the ball well, gaining 138 yards on 27 carries. That 5.1 yards per carry average is impressive, especially considering they were able to do it against one of the better defenses in the league.

The issue on Sunday, however, was the lack of commitment to stick with the run. While that appeared to be working, and at times to be the only thing that was working, the Browns time and again let Baker Mayfield drop back to pass. Much of the abandoning of the run is due to the score, as the Browns fell down early and attempted to keep the clock from burning.

Against Cincinnati on Thursday night, however, the Browns should look to use the ground game early and often. Facing a much less potent offense, Cleveland shouldn’t have to worry about falling down by multiple touchdowns early and have to throw their way back into the game.

Getting the ball to Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb, who had 72 yards and 60 yards rushing on Sunday respectively, should be the game-plan from the first snap until the final whistle is blown. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is known for being a run-oriented play-caller, so if they can get going early and establish the run, it should help the Browns get one in the win column.