Turnovers Could Turn Around the Season
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns have found themselves back in the win column after defeating the Buffalo Bills 19-16 on Sunday. Thus, snapping a four-game losing streak since their last win in Baltimore against the Ravens in week four.
The Browns not only broke a losing streak but started a positive streak in their own right. This is the second game in a row the offense did not have a giveaway.
Turnover differential has been a catalyst for the team this season. In all three victories, the Browns had a positive or neutral turnover differential compared to their putrid turnover differential (-11) in their six losses.
Thursday night’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be the second toughest opponent they will face this year. They boast the second highest turnover differential (+13) in the league only behind New England.
Statistically speaking, the New England Patriots in week eight was their toughest matchup in terms of turnover differential (+17). That game did not start well for the Browns with three giveaways in three straight offensive possessions.
It began with back to back fumbles by running back Nick Chubb. The first fumble resulted in a 26-yd fumble return for a touchdown by linebacker Dont’a Hightower. On Chubb’s next carry he weaved through multiple defenders on a 44-yd run but was stripped by corner Jonathan Jones at the four-yard line.
Baker Mayfield continued the trend as his shovel pass to Jarvis Landry was intercepted by defensive lineman Lawrence Guy. This turnover was reminiscent to the motion sweep miscue that was overturned when Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes almost scored on a fumble return.
Giveaways have been no stranger to Baker Mayfield and company. The offense has turned the ball over twelve times since week three, which is the eighth highest rate in the league. Also, Mayfield is second in the NFL with twelve interceptions only behind Jameis Winston who has fourteen.
Every team gives the ball away, but giveaways can be countered with takeaways. Unfortunately, the Browns have only forced nine turnovers thus far and have a minus eight (-8) turnover differential on the season.
The Steelers have been red hot with four straight wins and are led by their tenacious defense. Mike Tomlin’s defensive unit has forced 23 turnovers since week three which leads the NFL.
Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a dominant force in the secondary since being traded from the Miami Dolphins back in early September. He has six takeaways and two touchdowns over the past seven games.
Fitzpatrick playing center field could cause some major problems for Baker Mayfield who has proven to be turnover prone. It is vital that Mayfield continues to protect the football as he’s done in the previous two games.
Taking care of the football will help them win the battle of field position and increase their chances of putting points on the board. That also includes Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt securing the ball in what should be a run heavy offensive gameplan.
On a positive note, since the bye week, head coach Freddie Kitchens has the team playing more disciplined with a reduction in penalties and giveaways.
The key to the Browns success against the Steelers in the next three weeks will be the defense's ability to create turnovers. Turnovers would give an offense that has struggled to generate points, particularly in the red zone, more opportunities.
An uptick in aggression by defensive playmakers can help change the tide of a game and potentially the season.
For a defense built to stop the pass and having an improved pass rush, there haven' been enough plays made in the secondary. The Browns have not intercepted a pass since week four and only have two fumble recoveries.
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks needs to call diverse coverage and blitz packages to create pressure and confusion. Mason Rudolph is a second year quarterback and with enough pressure he could be forced into some bad decisions.
Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams are finally healthy and should play well. Ward seemed to finally have that marquee game of the season defending multiple passes against the Bills. Now it is time for someone in the secondary to create a turnover and put their stamp on a game.
