After a humbling 30-15 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals, Washington will try to rebound when they take on the Cleveland Browns on the road. The Browns are coming off a ten day break after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 35-30 on September 17th. Baker Mayfield and the Browns offense was finally able to score some points and show their potential. However the defense allowed Joe Burrow to hold his own and put up some big numbers. Washington on the other hand had another slow start that ended up being their downfall. Here are the three most important factors for Washington to secure a victory on Sunday.
1. Stop the Browns rushing attack
The key to the Browns offense is the rushing attack that features backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. These two combined for 32 rushes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. This took the pressure off of Baker Mayfield which allowed the Browns to play action down the field for big gains over the top. Putting the Browns in obvious 3rd and longs will be advantageous to the defense. Mayfield still struggled on obvious passing downs, and that allows the pass rush to dictate the game. Mayfield can move around a bit but doesn’t present the running threat Kyler Murray did. Keep the Browns in long distances and Washington has a good chance.
2. Attack on offense
Washington has had lackluster starts offensively in both games. Combination of play calling and substandard play from Dwayne Haskins and the offensive line have put the team behind. Scott Turner needs to focus on the things that work with Haskins, quick throws and throw more screens to protect the offensive line. Terry McLaurin has been off to a fast start and getting him involved early would also help. Turner needs to be aggressive from the start and attack a Browns defense who gave up 312 yards and three touchdowns through the air last week to Joe Burrow.
3. Win the turnover battle.
Baker Mayfield has some gunslinger in him. The Washington Secondary needs to be aggressive and force some interceptions. Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry will present problems but minus a few mistakes the secondary has played fairly well. One of Dwayne Haskins good traits for his career has been protecting the football. Haskins has had only one turnover this season and that came on a fumble when Brandon Scherff was beat on a rush. Haskins will need to continue to do this to put the team in the best place to succeed.
Prediction
In my season preview I predicted a Washington victory and I believe that Washington will. The Browns have a worse defense than the Eagles and Cardinals and have given up 30 points a game. I think the Haskins and the offense will get going. Washington 28, Browns 17
