Is this the win that Jump Starts the Browns

A win brings confidence to Browns

The offense shows improvement after win

Since the tragedy of having three straight turnovers on three snaps against New England, this offense has been better. It started with the Denver game with no turnovers and fewer penalties. The Browns could not finish off the win In that one. The Browns took those lessons and applied them to the Bills this past weekend. Once again, no turnovers and limited the penalties. They were in a position to win the game even though they struggled in the red zone. Baker and the offense were able to shake off the mishaps of earlier in the game and cash in a winning drive. It was Baker, hitting forgotten Rashard Higgins for what was the game-winning score. This was Higgins’ only catch of the game.

The addition of Hunt made a significant impact on the offense against the Bills. When the Browns ran 20 personnel, also called pony personnel, the run game was impressive. When the Browns ran this formation, Chubb ran for over 100 yards of his 116 for the day. Hunt was also lethal in this package. He had 30 yards rushing and 44 yards receiving. Hunt had a substantial catch on third, and seven for nine yards and a first down after Baker realigned him and Odell. The Browns may have found the grouping that will carry them for the rest of the year.

The struggles in the Red Zone

The Browns have a lot to fix when it comes to scoring inside the five-yard line. In the first quarter on Sunday, the Browns had eight cracks at the end zone and couldn’t score. Even with two, pass interference calls that were drawn by Beckham Jr., the Browns didn’t score. The Browns made an effort to throw to Odell but also had problems just playing power football. Freddie preached about physicality during the summer, but that is not what happened on the goal line. There has to be a different mentality when on the goal line. You have to want to beat the man across from you. At this point in the game, Buffalo wanted it more, and it showed. Every run play was blown up in the backfield with significant penetration by the defensive line.

There were only two plays that had a legit chance to score points during any part of these eight plays. The first was the fade throw to Odell. The ball was in his hands, but the defensive back was able to slap the ball away. The other play was the wonderfully designed shovel pass. Seeing replays, Chubb, for some reason, stopped his momentum instead of running through the play. If Chubb continues to run, he can catch the ball and easily scores. I believe you will see Pony personnel this week against the Steelers on Thursday night if the Browns are inside the five-yard line.

Here come the Steelers

The Browns and Steelers are playing in First Energy Stadium on primetime for the Thursday night game. This is the last signature game for the young Browns team this year. The 5-4 Steelers are coming off a tough win against the Rams this past Sunday. The Steelers are led by rookie QB, Mason Rudolph, and an improved defense that was bolstered by the trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick. This should be a great way to renew this rivalry as you have a Browns offense gaining confidence and a strong Steelers defense. The Browns defense needs to come up strong against the young QB that has had issues scoring points. The Browns need to finally get some turnovers and give the offense short fields to score quickly.

This game is a must-win for the Browns. If the Browns can get the win here, this sets up for a considerable win run coming. They play the Dolphins in week 12. The Browns can go into the Steelers game in Pittsburgh at 5-6 for week 13. This will be another crucial matchup as this can get them to 6-6. If that happens, they have an excellent chance to be 8-6 when they get to meet up again with the Ravens in week 16 at home. If the Browns can make this run, they have a huge chance to go 10-6 and make the playoffs. One game at a time and they have to beat Pittsburgh first on Thursday night football.

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