Browns vs. 49ers: Cleveland's Keys to Victory

The Browns are shorthanded against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday's matchup. Here is what they must do in order to come out victorious

The official inactive report is out and the Browns are incredibly undermanned in their week six matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. They could have been at full strength and they would have still been underdogs against arguably the best team in the NFL.

If this game was played on paper, it would be the 49ers in a blowout. Lucky for the Browns, the game is played on the grass and anything can happen on any given Sunday. 

If the Browns want to have a chance in Sunday's game, they must take care of these three keys to the game.

Win the Turnover Battle

The Browns have lost the turnover battle in each of their four games so far this year. Amazingly enough, it has only cost them the victory two games. 

PJ Walker will be the signal caller for the Browns and he must not turn the ball over at all today. The goal for today (and every day) should be to end each drive with a kick. Whether it be a punt or a field goal/extra point, each drive needs to end with a kick.

On defense, the Browns need to create turnovers. Brock Purdy does not turn the ball over at all. The Browns need to change that today.

Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates a sack with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Keep PJ Walker Upright

Dawand Jones and Jedrick Wills Jr. have their hands full against Nick Bosa. Bosa has the ability to totally wreck a football game and the Browns need to not let that happen. 

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (right) watches quarterback PJ Walker (10) warm up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Limit the Big Play

The 49ers are going to make plays today, they are too good not to. What the Browns need to do is limit the number of big plays, and when they happen, they can't finish in the end zone. Don't let a 20-yard run turn into a 60-yard touchdown. That needs to be the mentality.

If the Browns can accomplish these three keys, they will find themselves in the football game. If they can't this one will get ugly quickly.