With the Miami Dolphins arriving in just a few days, the Cleveland Browns embark on a new journey in 2013. Here are three important keys to the win column on Sunday.
Dawg Bone #1:
Defensive Pressure on Ryan Tannehill
The Browns will have a new look defense on Sunday that has never been seen before. New highly touted defensive coordinator Ray Horton needs to get after the young QB. If the defense can force at least one turnover and sack Tannehill three to five times, this is a home opener victory.
Dawg Bone #2:
Trent Richardson runs with Authority for four quarters
Last season, the Dolphins gave up 108 yards per game on the ground. There is no reason why Richardson couldn’t run for that and then some. Establishing TRich early and often is an important in this game for the Browns offense. 25 carries at a minimum should be expected for the healthy Browns star running back. Once Richardson is established, aerial opportunities will open up for Brandon Weeden. Remember, no Josh Gordon on Sunday.
Dawg Bone #3:
Special Teams Field Position
Cleveland speedster Travis Benjamin, aka “Ricky Bobby” could be the x-factor in this contest. Benjamin returned two to the house in preseason, but one was called back due to a holding penalty. However, Benjamin’s swiftness, speed, and vision should win the field position game for Cleveland. On the flip side, Miami return specialist Marcus Thigpen fumbled three returns in the preseason. A Chris Tabor special teams fumble recovery could swing the momentum.
Just the second Browns home opener win in the last 14 years isn’t too far-fetched. These two teams are evenly matched and should be a fun one to watch. If Cleveland does these things and feeds off the energy of their diehard fans, victory will be the outcome.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ryanpruiz24. Ryan is also a Cleveland Browns Correspondent for The SportsFix. Tune in every Friday at noon on www.thesportfix.net.