The Cleveland Browns are heading into a big matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 10. The Texans sit at 3-5, but they can’t be taken lightly. The Texans have a defense that can take over a game if the Browns aren’t careful this weekend.
One of the biggest advantages for the Texans is their elite pass rush. The Browns must find a way to slow down the pass rush if they want to win this game. Analyst Lance Reisland broke down what the Browns need to do to stop this pass rush and win on Sunday.
“Houston’s win over the Chargers showed the danger of allowing its pass rush to control the game. It also showed running opportunities and completions available to tight ends. The Browns can build around those openings with Whiteheart attached, Fannin moving and a run game that forces Houston to defend its gaps. Twelve personnel gives them a practical way to support their tackles, help Judkins and Sampson, and involve Fannin earlier. The goal is consistent offense that earns the next first down,” Reisland wrote.
Coming into this game, the Texans defense ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to run defense. This unit allows 103.0 yards per game on average, which ranks them 12th in the league. The Browns have two dynamic backs that they must find a way to involve in this game.
Even with a decent running game, the Browns will need to shake up their gameplan to win this game. This pass rush is elite, so it’s tough to imagine the Browns having a ton of time to pass in the pocket. Instead, Cleveland will need to lean on running the ball and getting their tight ends involved in short routes and as blockers.
The Browns aren’t going to win this game by passing deep all game and praying for a few deep balls to connect. Instead, this offense must focus on ground and pound and continuing to pick up the first down. This will likely be a lower-scoring game that could end as a one-possession contest. The Browns must protect quarterback Deshaun Watson and take advantage of the gaps in the running game to win this contest.
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