3 Keys to Victory for the Cleveland Browns

Key No. 1: Don’t take the bait:

The last successful start for the Browns came in 2014 with Brian Hoyer as the quarterback and Kyle Shanahan calling plays. The Browns started the season 7-4, before finishing the season 7-9. Part of that was due to an injury to Brian Hoyer, but another part of that was the team thinking they were good enough to just show up and win.

While Stefanski has already preached the message of not overlooking an opponent, this will be his first major test. While the Jags are only 1-9 this season, they have played the Colts, Titans, and Packers very tough which means they can beat anyone in a given week.

If the Browns go to Jacksonville and get down 14-0 quickly, it could end up being a long day. With the Jets clearly being the worst team in the NFL, the Jags likely have the No. 2 draft pick in 2021 on lock, and it would be difficult for them to jump up to number one, so they will be motivated to play hard no matter what.

This is a game the Browns need to come out and dominate in. Mayfield needs to throw for 250 yards, and Nick Chubb/Kareem Hunt needs to run for an additional 200 yards. On the other side, the Browns defense needs another five-sack game and cause two turnovers while holding the Jaguars to only 10 or 13 points.

A 27-10 type win would show that Stefanski is the captain of this ship and that the Browns could be real contenders for a playoff spot in 2020.