3 Keys to Browns Victory vs. Commanders

Though the Cleveland Browns (6-9) have formally been eradicated from 2022 NFL postseason rivalry, gamers all through the week expressed their intention to present the Washington Commanders (7-7-1) their all this weekend. Particularly tight finish David Njoku, who stated this week that they are going to “give the Commanders hell.”

Washington, then again, remains to be very a lot so alive within the playoff race and a win towards the Browns would allow them to manage their very own future the ultimate week of the season.

With that being stated, listed here are three of an important keys to a Browns win over the Commanders.

1. Make it a tough return for Carson Wentz

The Commanders will probably be beginning quarterback Carson Wentz for the primary time since he went down with a finger fracture in Week 6. It is no straightforward ask for Wentz to come back out slinging in an enormous recreation for Washington.

Washington’s offensive line was been a weak spot on their group this season and it is a prime alternative for Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, if he is in a position to play, to wreak havoc.

The Browns have to get to Wentz early and sometimes and trigger a sluggish begin for the Commanders. If the Browns protection can string collectively a number of three-and-outs within the first few possessions, it would trigger some jitters and nervous power on the Washington sideline as they start to consider their playoff probabilities.

Pressuring Wentz will pressure him to make split-second selections downfield and pressure him to show the ball over. The veteran quarterback has a historical past of hanging onto the soccer too lengthy which has resulted in fumbling points in his previous. So, the Browns entrance seven needs to be going for the ball once they get the chance to take down Wentz to disrupt the Washington offense.

2. Open up Deshaun Watson and the passing recreation

To realize momentum heading into the low season and the 2023 season, Deshaun Watson wants to search out his grove on the sector earlier than seasons finish.

Since Watson’s return to recreation motion in Week 13 in Houston, he has proven glimpses of greatness amid knocking the rust off from the in depth layoff. There is not any query that he is continued to enhance and present higher chemistry with broad receivers like Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones in addition to tight finish David Njoku.

If Watson is unable to proceed to indicate indicators of enchancment via the tip of the season, questions will keep within the air all through all the low season and could possibly be dangerous for the star quarterback. 

With all stress off of Watson’s shoulders because the Browns’ postseason hopes are formally gone, it ought to enable him to play extra freely and do what he does the most effective. Enjoying nicely to complete out the season will give Watson, the Browns offense and all the group confidence heading into 2023. 

The previous 2020 NFL passing yards chief will look to only exit on Sunday and play his personal recreation. The important thing for Watson is to restrict his turnovers and join with receivers downfield.

3. Decelerate the Commanders entrance 4

The power of Washington’s soccer group has been their entrance 4. They now have star edge rusher, Chase Younger, again from harm and so they’ll be seeking to trigger the Browns issues to take the stress off the Commanders’ secondary.

Along with Younger, the Commanders even have Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne up entrance.

The Browns offensive line has had an up-and-down season so far. They misplaced beginning middle Nick Harris to harm within the preseason and have plugged Ethan Pocic into that beginning spot.

Pocic has been phenomenal, but additionally went down with an harm in Week 11 and at last returned to recreation motion final week vs. the New Orleans Saints. Earlier than he went down with an harm, the Browns offensive line ranked close to the highest within the league. Nevertheless, as soon as backup Hjalte Froholdt stepped in, the road ranked close to the underside of the NFL.

Left sort out Jedrick Wills Jr missed two days of apply this week with a again harm however seems to be good to go for Sunday.

The Commanders line of defense has the power to have the ability to takeover video games and if the Browns allow them to acquire momentum, Cleveland will probably be in bother. 

The Browns offensive line must play mistake free, disciplined soccer to come back out with a win on Sunday. 

If Cleveland can restrict the Commanders’ defensive entrance, they’re going to be in fine condition to crush Washington’s playoff hopes with a win.