Baltimore Ravens

Cleveland Browns: 5 keys to the home opener vs. Ravens

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:34 p.m. ET

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Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) reacts after his touchdown run Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. What must the Browns do to drown out the distractions and win?

With the home opener approaching on Sunday, it is time for the Cleveland Browns to drown out the distractions already swirling around the organization as this young season continues. The home opener is against the Baltimore Ravens, and the Browns appear focused on their opponent.

Putting this week’s game aside for a moment, there are plenty of reasons fans are currently frustrated with the direction the team appears to be headed this year. With Robert Griffin III injured, Josh McCown is once again Cleveland’s starting quarterback. And with a humiliating performance against a sub-par Philadelphia Eagles team last Sunday, expectations may be lower than ever.

But Week 2 presents a new opportunity, and there are reasons to feel a little bit better about the Browns’ chances.

Many believe that starting McCown will actually help stimulate the team’s offense, which was mostly stagnant in the season opener. In reality, this will depend on other factors besides just the quarterback play. The Browns will need to play a sharp, mistake free game on offense, defense and special teams to have a chance to win.

While most focus on the quarterbacks entering a rivalry game that is personal to many fans, the play of McCown will contribute only partially to the outcome of the game. There are several keys for the Browns to focus on. If they are successful in achieving these five detailed objectives, a .500 record in “game twos” of the past 18 years awaits.

Aug 12, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The most important key for the Browns offensively in the home opener does not apply to any of the 11 players on Cleveland’s offense. Equally important to a bounce back performance is head coach Hue Jackson.

The highly touted offensive expert called an atrocious game last Sunday, mostly because of his predictable play calling. Of the Browns’ 50 total plays, 29 were passing plays and 21 were rushing. While this doesn’t seem inherently lopsided or predictable, the manner by which these plays were called placed the offense in extremely difficult down-and-distance situations time and time again.

Related: Beating Baltimore’s 3-4 multi-front defense

Jackson would often dial-up a deep ball on a post route or a deep crossing route to either Corey Coleman or Terrelle Pryor on first down, which usually resulted in an incompletion. On second down, Jackson would realize that it was time for a running play, which would be stuffed since the defense saw it coming. On third-and-long, it was an obvious passing situation. Too many three-and-outs resulted from this horrendous play calling.

This week, Jackson needs to recognize his flaws in Week 1, and use different formations on different downs to confuse the defense, rather than bizarre play calls. He also needs to utilize his running backs more, who were never given a legitimate chance to succeed last week. Look for Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson to be more involved on first down, even if they are being used as receiving options.

The Browns really don’t have a choice with a less mobile quarterback. They must absolutely get their running game going. If this is successful, they will find themselves using their running backs even more, as third down situations won’t be quite as predictable. This is when the playbook opens up, and Coleman and Pryor have even better opportunities to shine down the field than they did last week.

It all starts with play calling, and if Jackson can get it right this week, fans will witness a domino effect that will stimulate Cleveland’s offense.

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) throws a pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It’s probably the most obvious key to point out, but it remains necessary that the Browns offensive line rises to the occasion and helps out their veteran quarterback. McCown is 37 years old, and he is undoubtedly prone to injury, evident based on last season’s adventures. The offensive line has been a severe issue for the Browns throughout preseason and in Week 1, and will continue to be unless major strides are made.

The offensive line did seem to be slightly better in Philadelphia, but Cameron Erving looked lost at center. Austin Pasztor was also noticeably struggling, allowing the opposing pass rush to be a significant issue. If this remains the case, rookie Cody Kessler may see his first NFL snap prematurely. In other words, if the offensive line doesn’t buy McCown time, they better buy him an ice pack.

Related: Offensive line improves, still needs work

This doesn’t just mean that the pass protection needs to be effective though. If the Browns’ offensive line can get some push between the tackles, the running game can get going; and if the running game can get going, Baltimore’s defense will be on their heels. This will help out the offensive line in passing situations, as long as they aren’t too predictable.

It is extremely difficult for this offensive line to suddenly become dominant overnight, given how poorly they have played recently. But Cleveland doesn’t have much of a choice. The offensive line needs to be better, and feed off of smart play calling to allow the Browns to move down the field methodically.

Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes an 11-yard reception during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Browns 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

While the Browns had some exciting long passing plays last week, the team struggled immensely to find consistency. They only earned 14 first downs and were just two-of-10 on third down, mostly due to the long-yardage situations the team put itself in on first and second downs. This contributed to one of the larger problems for the Browns, the almost 20 minute gap in time of possession.

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This will all change if drives are sustained. While this goes back to the first key, the players must also perform their roles. The running backs must be smart, and must have a nose for the first down marker. If Cleveland’s goal is to get first downs one at a time, use a little clock, and effectively move down the field using a variety of pass and run plays, many problems would suddenly disappear.

Another way drives must be extended is by using the tight ends. Gary Barnidge was only targeted twice last week, dropping both, but ideally should be playing an even bigger role in Jackson’s offense than he did last season. The Browns’ many two tight end formations means that another tight end will need to step up, whether that is Randall Telfer or Seth DeValve. But Barnidge, who caught nine touchdown passes and recorded 1,043 receiving yards in 2015, is a more likely target when it comes to the pass attack.

Tight ends are important to Cleveland’s offense this week because their large frames and consistent hands must be taken advantage of, particularly in third-down situations. If the Browns do this successfully, and each third-down situation is a manageable one, they will be able to sustain drives and reverse several of the troubling trends of last week.

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) carries the ball as tight end Maxx Williams (87) blocks Buffalo Bills defensive back Jonathan Meeks (36) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively, the Browns will have their hands full with a well run Baltimore offense that scored 30 or more points in both meetings last season. Considering both the Ravens’ strengths offensively and the Browns’ weaknesses defensively, it could be safely assumed Baltimore will dial up a good deal of running plays, especially in the opening quarter.

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Speedy back Justin Forsett will get the major workload, though second and third backs Javorius Allen and former Brown Terrance West will also get carries. If the Browns are to improve on their opening week run defense, they will have to do so by not over pursuing the running backs. This was Cleveland’s downfall many times last week against Ryan Matthews, and the defense is once again susceptible to the same fate against a similar back this week.

Browns defenders, specifically rushers in the form of defensive tackles or outside linebackers, too often get closed off by offensive linemen in the backfield, creating mammoth holes in the middle. This is due partially to the lack of size on Cleveland’s front seven, but also to the dangerous mentality which the Browns have not yet corrected of over pursuit, which is brought about by lack of discipline.

Of course, the result of over pursuit can be devastating gains on the ground. This is bad enough, as much like last week, it will help the Ravens control the clock and time of possession. In addition to all of this though, it would make the Browns more hesitant to bring pressure, and keep their front seven more contained to the middle of the field. This would open up deep passing opportunities vertically for Joe Flacco, as his weapons are plenteous. Mike Wallace, Steve Smith Sr., and Kamar Aiken are all threats to do damage to a shaky Cleveland secondary.

No matter where the Ravens decide to take their offensive game plan, the most fundamental key for Cleveland to counter it is by stopping their running game. When this happens, the Browns are put in more favorable situations based on down-and-distance, as well as flexibility when it comes to defensive looks. In order to stop the run, the biggest key for the Browns is to correct their habit of over pursuing running backs leading to gaping holes up the middle.

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

If everything goes right for the Browns, they may still find themselves in a fourth quarter battle with a feisty Ravens team. If this is the case, the Browns will have to do something they haven’t even gotten an opportunity to do yet, close out a game. Executing down the stretch has been a struggle the past few seasons.

Many think that the new regime and coach Jackson will fix the fourth quarter woes Cleveland seems to consistently have, but no basis to this thought will be provided until the team can actually close out a victory.

While it may seem strange to focus on the end of the game when the Browns have numerous other problems to worry about, it is a legitimate concern for fans to have entering the home opener. Being a rivalry game and the first game in front of the home fans at FirstEnergy Stadium, the Browns should rise to the occasion and give their best effort. This, coupled with what they hope to be a clean game throughout, will put them in a position late in the game and give them an opportunity to win.

To do all of this for naught seems like the logical next installment of misery for Browns fans. It also seems possible due to the circumstances surrounding the game, and how the team’s focus is on more of the bigger aspects of the game that need to be corrected.

Whether it comes down to a last second field goal, or if it is a matter of getting a stop or finishing a drive in the closing moments of Sunday’s game, the Browns have to play sound football at the right times along with all of their other improvements to win the game. This starts with coaching, and trickles down to all of the players. Situational football must be a concern for Cleveland, especially finishing strong.

If the Browns can successfully achieve all of these keys, they will be looking at a .500 record. It is difficult to imagine the extent to which a victory this Sunday would jolt this franchise. It will be tough, nearly impossible many claim, but the Browns recognize what needs to be done to turn the team around, and climb right back into the race.

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