Keys to victory for the Cleveland Browns over the Philadelphia Eagles

Friday is here and Sunday quickly approaches as the Cleveland Browns take their final steps in preparation for their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The game plan is in place, key players are on the practice field, and all that is left to do is to add the final touches to the season opener in what is expected to be a tough schedule. So we will take a look at three of the biggest keys to victory for the Browns in week one against the Eagles.

Offensive Line:
The Eagles wide nine aggressive defense (meaning the defensive ends are lined up much wider than normal) gave the Browns offensive line fits in the preseason. With a rookie right tackle and two guards only in their 2nd year the offensive line will be one of the biggest keys to winning on Sunday.

The offensive line MUST protect rookie QB Brandon Weeden and give him sufficient time to deliver the ball downfield. Constant pressure during the preseason forced some unnecessary turnovers.

In addition the running game must be successful to alleviate the pressure on Weeden. The likely return of #1 RB Trent Richardson is a key to the Browns offensive scheme. It is not likely we will see a great deal of carries from Richardson in his first real NFL game action, but having him in the lineup adds a wrinkle to the Browns offense that Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid must prepare for.

Points came rarely for the Browns last season and success depends on them producing in 2012. A great deal of that potential success relies heavily on this young offense specifically the offensive line.

The Linebackers:
With Fujita likely suspended and Gocong out for the year the linebackers of the Cleveland Browns will be critical. Hopefully veteran middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson will be in the middle to anchor this young corps and provide leadership, but the youth of the linebacker corps will be a blessing or curse and with their first opponent being Michael Vick and the Eagles explosive offense, this will be a big test.
For the Browns to contain a potential explosive Eagle offense the linebacker corps must hold their gap assignments while at the same time anticipate play action into the flats or seams with the Eagle WR’s, RB’s, and TE’s. Add to the mix a mobile QB and they will have their job cut out for them. If the Browns defense is to successfully contain the Eagles offense, it will all start with the linebackers.

Turnovers:
The Browns offense must protect the ball better, specifically Brandon Weeden. And he must not only be cautious of throwing interceptions but be better prepared for pressure. He lost several balls during the preseason and this problem must be corrected immediately.

Another aspect is the Browns turnover issues are related to the defense. Although they finished in the top ten in overall defense they forced very few turnovers. It appears (at least through the preseason) that the Browns defense (specifically the secondary) has focused on being much more aggressive in going after the ball. If the Browns can win the turnover battle against the Eagles, there is a good chance they will win the game.
If the Browns can manage the clock and follow these three simple keys they can pull off what the NFL experts would consider an upset. They will be one step closer and they would be a step closer to a winning culture and on the right path to a winning season. Although a season is not won or lost in the first game, it can certainly set the pace for the rest of the year.

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