Cleveland Browns: 4 players key to Week 7 victory
By Greg Newland
The Cleveland Browns are in dire need of a win on Thursday night. These four players need to step up in a big way to make sure that happens.
I don’t think it’s time to hit the panic button yet for the Cleveland Browns, but man, another showing like last wee vs. the Arizona Cardinals, and you could quickly see the season unravel. The downward spiral started in a heartbreaking loss in L.A. vs. the Chargers and continued last Sunday in a complete beatdown at home by the Cardinals.
As important as this game is to the Browns, let’s not forget the Denver Broncos started out 3-0, and have dropped their last three games as well. They find themselves in a very similar situation, so you can bet they will also be motivated.
Injuries continue to be the story for the Browns. At this point, we honestly don’t know if we will be without three starters, or up to eight. It feels like Baker Mayfield, Kareem Hunt, Nick Chubb, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah may be the only starters out, but there is also a good chance one of the starting tackles will miss, and undoubtedly multiple people playing through some pain.
With all the chaos, below are four players that will be key to the Cleveland Browns getting back on track Thursday night.
Cleveland Browns key No. 4 – Blake Hance
At this time, I feel like either Jedrick Wills or Jack Conklin will be able to play, but there is still a good chance one sits out. I honestly have no idea which one can play, but Blake Hance will be the next man up to fill in the other spot.
Hance is an undersized tackle but has played well when called upon. Don’t get me wrong, he’s going to have a play or two where he gets beat, but he can be more than serviceable.
His toughest assignment could come yet with Von Miller. Yes, Hance will get a ton of help if he draws this assignment, but he must keep Miller quiet or it could be a long night for the offense.
As good as Case Keenum can be at times, his biggest struggles start when he gets a lot of pressure. He still tends to make mistakes when he is constantly under fire. It will be important that one player doesn’t change the dynamic of the entire game.