It hasn't been that often that we are discussing a winning Cleveland Browns football team. These seasons are few and far between, so when there is one happening before our very eyes, it's a time to celebrate. This week, the Browns are 1.5-point road favorites against the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans won their first game of the season, beating the Indianapolis Colts, this past Sunday. The Browns were also victorious, using another fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Baltimore Ravens.
So what will give in this game? Will the Titans carry their first victory forward against the Browns, or will Cleveland be able to win their fifth game with more late-game heroics and a tough defensive unit?
When you look at the Browns' schedule moving forward, there is a real opportunity for the team to keep generating wins. But before we look ahead, let's not overlook the Titans. Last year's Browns team lost to a bad Titans team at home.
This year, the Titans are still bad with a record of 1-5. Can the Browns put together a game plan where all three phases of their team can play well? Cleveland's offense has been its biggest problem, especially early in games. All four of their wins have come after they fought back in the later stages.
This contest against Tennessee presents itself as a golden opportunity for the Browns to get things rolling with their offense. At the moment, the Titans' defense is ranked No. 15 based on points allowed this season. Cleveland is ranked 10th. When you look at both teams, they have similar defensive stats.
So can the Browns get things going against a similar foe?
Browns can't overlook the Titans with a much bigger opportunity ahead
There are some differences. The Titans have given up 1,323 yards through the air, including six touchdowns. They've also given up six scores on the ground and 735 rushing yards. For comparison, the Browns' defense has only allowed one touchdown on the ground.
Another area that Cleveland could take advantage of is in the penalty department. The Titans have the fourth-most penalty yards, with 458 on 51 infractions. The Browns have 41 penalties for 331 yards. Which team makes the fewest mistakes could be another key to victory.
Cleveland's defense has been relied on this season, and that won't change for this game. The Browns lead the league in tackles for loss with 39. They've been putting pressure on the quarterback as well. They are currently ranked fifth with 44 QB hits. If they can keep that up against a shaky second-year quarterback in Cam Ward, the Browns will have a good chance at the win.
Cleveland's schedule is about to open the door for something much bigger
As for what lies ahead for Cleveland after this game, it could be the start of something special if you take a look at the schedule.
The Browns follow up with away games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. It's tough to win on the road, but neither team is playing great, and Cleveland already beat Pittsburgh this season.
The Browns then come home for five weeks with a bye week thrown in. They have games against the Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Atlanta Falcons. Combined, those teams have a very mediocre 10-13 record.
It's best to take it one game at a time, and that starts with the Titans game. If the Browns continue to play good team defense and can get the offense going early in the game, then they should be able to win this battle against Tennessee.
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