The Browns are in a peculiar position going into their Week 18 game against the Bengals. They have secured their postseason berth with a record of 11-5. With a 12th victory, they will also have an opportunity to tie the 1986 squad for the most victories in team history.
Let’s examine three essential elements of Sunday’s match.
Let quarterback Jeff Driskel acclimatise to the Browns’ offence.
On Sunday, Jeff Driskel will lead the offence for the Browns as they start their fifth quarterback of the year. After being added to the active roster for the first time on December 29, Driskel will start Week 18 against the Bengals as the Browns bench quarterback Joe Flacco.
The Browns need depth at quarterback because they placed rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson on injured reserve. Having eight-year veteran Jeff Driskel on the roster as a possible backup for the playoffs is what they need.
The Browns will get an opportunity to observe Driskel in action as part of their offence on Sunday. HC According to Kevin Stefanski, there isn’t much need to alter the strategy. They modify their general system and strategy slightly to account for players’ skill sets and strengths. Driskel has been practicing with Cleveland for a week, attempting to get used to a new squad and system as soon as possible.
Regarding Driskel, Stefanski remarked, “He’s done a nice job.” Excellent comprehension of the transgression. flawless in that context. Does a good job calling the plays and is well-versed in all the terms we’re using, such as run game and pass game. Thus, I’ve been impressed.
The Browns’ success defensively away from home has fluctuated throughout the course of the season. This season, they have a 3-4 record when playing on the road, which can be attributed in part to their defensive shortcomings.
This group has set a high bar for itself on that side of the ball, and even though they will be missing key defensive players like DE Myles Garrett (shoulder, hamstring), CB Greg Newsome II (knee), and S Juan Thornhill (calf) on Sunday, they still have a chance to show it.
The Browns demonstrated their level of at-home defensive supremacy when they played the Texans in Week 16 in Houston. The Browns will have to perform to the same level in Cincinnati this week as well as in the postseason first round. Playing away from home to end the regular season can help you gain momentum going into the postseason.
The Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd receivers will present a formidable defensive match for the Browns. With 1,197 receiving yards and seven touchdowns this season, Chase leads the Bengals in receiving yards. In eight games this season, quarterback Jake Browning has completed 153 of 219 passes for 1,780 yards.
The Browns defense has had a number of players step up throughout the season as they have dealt with injuries, especially in the secondary. That will be critical once again on Sunday against the Bengals receiving corps and limiting the passing game, as well as to build on a strong defensive performance on the road.
