The last time the Browns won a road game was on October 11th, 2015, a day which saw the team top the Ravens in overtime 33-30 behind a record setting day for quarterback Josh McCown.
This week, the Browns will look for that first road win since that game, as they travel down I-71 to take the Cincinnati Bengals.
It’s the Battle of Ohio. The Browns come into this game with a record of 3-6-1. The Bengals are 5-5 on the season and are fighting for a playoff spot.
Three keys to a Browns victory:
1. A.J. Green unlikely to play:
This could be huge for the Browns, as the Bengals may be without star wide receiver A.J. Green. According to Ian Rapoport (NFL Network), Green is unlikely to play due to a toe injury. For the Browns, this will allow them to turn their focus on players like Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon and other play-makers on the Bengals offense.
2. Play-calling:
Offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens showed Browns fans what happens when you game-plan around your starting quarterback. Kitchens took over the OC duties when the Browns fired Todd Haley. Last game, Kitchens play-calling helped prevail the Browns offense to a win over the Atlanta Falcons at home. The Browns will face the worst defensive team in the NFL. The Bengals rank dead last in total defense this season. For Kitchens, don’t fix something that isn’t broken. Continue to be aggressive and be different. It’s worked for the Browns so far.
3. Get to Andy Dalton:
In recent match-ups against the Browns, it seems like Dalton has had his way against them. This year could be different. The Browns have been much improved defensively. They’ve created more takeaways this season. The biggest problem for the Browns has been the chunk yards and failure to consistently put pressure on the quarterbacks.
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. on CBS. The Bengals are -2.5 point favorite at home.
Follow: @Tim_Whelan216
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