Four Browns Weaknesses the Broncos Need to Exploit in Week 9

This is probably the most closely matched game for the Denver Broncos this year, as they are getting ready to take on the 2-5 Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. What makes this a good matchup are the unique strengths and weaknesses of each team are literally a mirror of each other.

From struggling quarterback and offensive line play, to defensive play that is much better than their respective records would indicate, and play-calling inefficiencies that hold back their offenses, the Browns and Broncos are very similar teams from top to bottom.

There isn’t much hope for the Broncos' season after their 0-4 start, but this is a game that could really help the team this season. There is a slim chance they can get into the playoffs and, while they do need a lot of help, they need to win games.

Cleveland has a young quarterback and a lot of firepower with its offense, but its coaching is a big problem for them. First-year head coach Freddie Kitchens looks like he is in way over his head and with all the personalities that team has, as he has struggled to keep the focus on football.

This is a struggling team in multiple areas and the Broncos can take advantage of that. So what weaknesses do the Browns have that Denver can exploit and what players need to step up for the Broncos?

1. Attack the Browns' Weak Rushing Defense

The Browns have struggled to stop the run on the left side of their defensive line, meaning Denver needs to rush off their right guard, right tackle and right edge. This doesn’t bode well for the Broncos, though, where they have a success rate of 33, 46 and 35 percent rushing at those points. Not having Ja’Waun James at right tackle is a big detriment to that lack of success rushing there.

However, despite the lack of success, the Broncos still average a 4.5 yards per carry behind the right guard and 5.2 behind the right tackle. Off the right end, Denver's averaged a measly 2.6 yards per carry.

Those points are big weak spots for a Browns rushing defense that is 29th in rushing defense allowing 143.3 rushing yards per game. When they are attacked off the right guard the Browns allow a 56 percent success rate and 4.2 YPC, while also allowing a 57 percent success rate and 4.5 YPC average off of right tackle.

It is going to be interesting to see whether Denver can get anything going off the right edge. Denver is bad running the ball in that direction, and the Browns are as bad defending it. They give up a 66 percent success rate with a 6.7 YPC average. Two weak spots clashing here, who will win?

Now there is one spot that really stands out, though, and it is actually behind the left guard. Denver has a 79 percent success rate rushing behind Dalton Risner with a 5.1 YPC average. The Browns allow only a 50 percent success rate, but a 6.9 YPC average.

This is a game where the Broncos need to get their running game going. It is a weak point of the Browns defense and should be the focal point of an offense that is lacking an identity. With Brandon Allen starting his first career regular-season game, it adds to the importance of getting the running game going.

For context: Using success rates to measure efficiency is superior to traditional yards per play (per pass or per rush) because it adds a layer of context to the play; the down and distance to go.

Example: A 10-yard run on 3rd-&-26 will add 10 YPC to a running back's average. But that play resulted in 4th-&-16 and thus, was an unsuccessful attempt to convert a first down (and graded as an unsuccessful play). A play is successful when it gains at least 40 percent of yards-to-go on first down, 60 percent of yards-to-go on second down and 100 percent of yards-to-go on third or fourth down.

2. Attack the Offensive Tackles

The tackles in Cleveland are among the worst in the NFL. They are struggling in pass protection and run blocking and have been rotating guys around. Chris Hubbard has only given up two sacks, but has also been penalized six times. Hubbard is Cleveland's right tackle, which will pit him against Von Miller for the majority of the game.

On the other side, the Browns have rotated Greg Robinson and Justin McCray. Robinson has only given up one sack through eight games but has drawn five flags, while McCray has relinquished three sacks and three penalties to his name in that same time frame. They struggle mightily with inconsistency, and if Denver can exploit them and apply the pressure on Mayfield well, more on that below.

Denver has been getting their pass rush going with stunts, and that needs to continue this week. When this offensive line has to think more, the Browns begin to struggle more. Stunts are a big part of Vic Fangio’s defense to get pressure, and it has been working with great success. Keep it up.

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3. Utilize Fred Brown

There are a lot of questions surrounding the depth of the Browns' defensive backs, and they will be without starting safety Damarious Randall as well as backup safety Sheldrick Redwine. One should expect CBs Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams to draw DaeSean Hamilton and Courtland Sutton for the majority of the game.

These Browns are playing good football, but have missed a lot of time with injury. Their backups have been really bad out there as well

Terrance Mitchell and T.J. Carrie have struggled this season, allowing 16 and 30 receptions, respectively.

While there isn’t much known about Fred Brown, this would be a good game to really get him going. Those corners are ripe for the taking and Rich Scangarello needs to call some plays to exploit them.

4. Rattle Mayfield

A year ago, the Browns thought that they had their quarterback of the future in first-overall pick Baker Mayfield. But his play this year has been questionable at best.

He does have some hot moments, especially when he is kept clean and not be put under pressure. Once you start to pressure him, mistakes start to happen.

Mayfield is one of the highest variance quarterbacks in the NFL. His difference in passer rating when throwing without being pressured (83.3) to when he is under pressure (24.1) is the third-highest split in the NFL. That is a huge difference in performance, and much worse than what Denver had from Joe Flacco (99.2 as compared to 56.2). He also had a success rate of 39 percent overall.

Denver needs to dial up the pressure on Mayfield on Sunday. He has been panicking this year when under pressure, which has lead to a plethora of mistakes. Giving first-time starter Brandon Allen extra opportunities will be huge for the Broncos.

Now that we've discussed the biggest weakness to exploit in terms of attacking this struggling Browns team, it's time to address specific Broncos that need to step their game up if they want to actually do so.

1. RT Elijah Wilkinson

With the Browns struggling to stop the run off the right side of the offensive line, and particularly the right edge, this puts more pressure on the right tackle to step up and execute so Denver can get the running game going.

2. OLB Von Miller

With a weak group of offensive tackles that have struggled to keep Mayfield clean in the pocket, Miller needs to return to form. Getting Mayfield uneasy in the pocket leads to turnovers and costly mistakes from the Browns offense. This is a game for Miller to get back on track.

4. OLB Malik Reed

Just like with Miller, Reed needs to step up and get after Mayfield.

4. OG Ronald Leary

With how poor the Browns are at defending the run behind the right side, Denver needs Leary to play a good clean game, especially in run blocking. It would be a huge boost for the offense if they can move the ball on the ground.

5. CB Davontae Harris

With the weapons the Browns have, it is going to take a great game from Harris to help shut them down. Chris Harris, Jr. should be matched up against Odell Beckham, Jr., which would put the other Harris on Jarvis Landry. This is going to be a very tough matchup for Davontae Harris, and he could get picked on at will.

Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.

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