Keys to Victory as the Browns Battle the Broncos
Cleveland has a chance to be 8-3 at the end of play on Sunday. That would be an incredible record through 11 games if they were fully healthy. However, knowing the status of this 2023 group, that record would be a remarkable accomplishment.
The argument can be made that the clash between the Browns and the Broncos features two of the hottest teams in all of the NFL. Cleveland has won five of their last six games and is just .5 games out of the lead in the AFC North.
Nov 19, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers safety Trenton Thompson (17) during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Denver on the other hand started 1-5 and has won four straight to get back to .500. While it feels like the Chiefs have a firm grasp on the AFC West, the Broncos have found themselves back in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race and are playing for their playoff lives.
This four-game win streak that they are on has been powered by their defense. While they haven't held teams all the way down, they are turning opponents over at an incredible rate. In their four victories, they have forced 13 turnovers including five against the Chiefs and four against the Bills.
The way they play and the way that they win is reminiscent of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Except, when the Broncos have the ball they have Russell Wilson at quarterback who is playing the best he has since becoming a Bronco.
If Cleveland wants to get the job done, here are the three keys to victory:
1. No Turnovers
Denver does not turn the football over so the Browns can't either. The only reason that Denver has been competitive in their wins over the past month has been turnovers. Cleveland simply cannot afford to give Denver the football.
2. Establish the Run and Shorten the Game
While Russell Wilson is playing good football as of late, their offense is not explosive. Wilson averages just north of 200 yards per game but they don't have many big play threats. Cleveland needs to establish a run game, bleed the clock and shorten the number of possessions that Denver has.
3. Don't Give Russell Wilson a Chance at the End
Wilson isn't what he used to be, but he is still one of the game's great quarterbacks. We saw it last week in their win over Minnesota, if you give him the ball with a chance to win it late, he is still capable. Cleveland either needs to end the game with the ball in the offense's hands or have a two-score lead late.
Although they are underdogs in this one, Cleveland has a really good chance to get these Denver Broncos. If they execute these three keys it will go a long way to doing just that.
