Cleveland Browns: 3 keys to victory against the Titans

2. Pressure Ryan Tannehill

If (and it’s a big if) the Browns can force the Titans to throw the ball, they will have completed step one. Step two is getting consistent pressure on Ryan Tannehill. He’s turned his career around in Tennessee and has been one of the NFL’s best passers over the past two years. However, his performance drops significantly when pressured, but only when he isn’t blitzed. He was sacked a total of four times in the Titans three losses but was pressured consistently, even if those pressures weren’t turning into sacks.

The Browns have been without superstar EDGE Myles Garrett for the past two weeks, but both Adrian Clayborn and Olivier Vernon have stepped up in his absence. Both players were virtual non-factors prior to Garrett’s injury, but that appears to be due to injuries they suffered early in the season. Now finally healthy, both are playing up to their talent level. With Garrett returning, the Browns pass-rush unit should be quite formidable, and they’ll have to be in order to win this game.

Tennessee’s offensive line is far from great, and they’d probably like to have Jack Conklin back on their side for this game. It’s far from an easy task, but if the Browns can make Tannehill throw the ball, they should be able to get pressure on him and force him into a mistake or two. That will be absolutely crucial to winning on Sunday.