If the Cleveland Browns are going to come out victorious in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, there are a few things they must focus on.
Stop Derrick Henry
The Titans offense will feature Derrick Henry in their offense. Henry is what makes Tennessee’s offense go. If Henry If effective that makes everything else work for the Titans. Stopping Derrick Henry early will force the ball into the hands of Marcus Mariota and pay dividends for the Browns later in the game.
Pressure Marcus Mariota
This is a task that appears very attainable at this time. Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan will miss this game due to a suspension. This means the Browns defensive line could have a field day when rushing the passer. Cleveland’s defensive line is one of the best units in the NFL and is what will make the Browns defense work. Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon could put together quite a performance against an offensive line missing their best player.
Protect Baker Mayfield
Sounds simple enough. Keep Baker Mayfield upright. The Browns offensive line is in a bit of a transition period after the trade of Kevin Zeitler this past offseason. The Browns offensive line minus their best pass protecter from last season will be tasked with protecting Cleveland’s franchise quarterback from Tennessee’s pass rush. Keep Mayfield off the ground and the offense should be humming.
Get Jarvis Landry involved
This is one that may not be popular with a lot of people but here is the deal. Odell Beckham Jr. will get his touches. So will Nick Chubb. The Browns need Jarvis Landry to be the guy who lives 5-10 yards from the line of scrimmage. That trusty go-to guy when everyone downfield is covered. Eventually the defense will creep up and Beckham and Rashard Higgins will get their opportunities deep down the field. Wash, rinse, repeat and the offense will have plenty of scoring drives.
Execute on special teams
This is something that is going to be a recurring theme for the Browns. Execute on special teams. It is one third of the game and often goes overlooked because it is not sexy. However special teams is often where games are won and lost. The new faces at punter and kicker need to pull their weight and the return game needs to show they can set the Browns offense up for success. Cleveland’s special teams unit was not great last season but with a new special teams coach that could change for the better this season.
