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3 keys to victory for the Cleveland Browns in AFC Wildcard

By Zane Harris

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Wormley (95) moves in for the tackle during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Wormley (95) moves in for the tackle during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Improved secondary play

The second thing that the Cleveland Browns must achieve if they want to get their first playoff win since 1994 is have improved play in the secondary. The secondary has been one of if not the weakest part of the Browns this season. Despite having one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Denzel Ward, the Browns still have one of the worst passing offenses in the league.

Along with this, the secondary has especially struggled this season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In their first matchup against the Steelers this season, the Browns did quite well against Ben Roethlisberger. He finished the game with 14 completions on 22 attempts for one touchdown. However, this game was a blowout and the Steelers did not need to pass the ball much.

In the second matchup of the season, Steelers’ backup Mason Rudolph had a hay day with the Browns secondary. He finished the game completing 22 of his 39 attempts for 315 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

It is very concerning that a backup could come in and pick apart the defense in this fashion. However, with the rushing game of the Steelers being obsolete in this meeting between the two teams, Rudolph was able to throw the ball much more than Roethlisberger did.

Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Feed the running backs

The final thing that the Cleveland Browns must do if they want to win their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers is to feed the running backs. Throughout the season the Browns have been one of if not the most run-dominant rushing offenses in the entire NFL and it was worked very well for them.

Nick Chubb was missing during the Browns’ first matchup against the Steelers. This led to Cleveland playing a running back rotation of Kareem Hunt and Dontrell Hilliard and it did not fair well for the Browns. The two finished the game with a combined 69 yards and zero touchdowns on 17 carries.

Hunt struggled again against the Steelers in their final matchup of the season. He finished the game with 37 yards and zero touchdowns on 10 carries. While this is rather disappointing considering that he is one of the most important facets of the offense.

However, Chubb made up for Hunt’s shortcomings and finished the game with 108 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries. This is very promising as Chubb is the teams’ workhorse back.

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Along with this, it is extremely difficult for anyone to move the ball on the Steelers. With Hunt having a bad track record against Pittsburgh and the Steelers having one of the best passing defenses in the league, Chubb may end up being the Browns’ saving grace on Sunday.

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