Browns' Keys To Victory In Thursday Night Matchup with New York

Thursday Night at Cleveland Browns Stadium has a chance to be an unforgettable night on the lakefront. While the Browns enter action as a -7.5-point favorite, this game could be closer than we expect.

The Jets feature a defense that is on the same level as Cleveland's group. They have a great front four, a very good secondary and two linebackers that are the best at what they do in the NFL.

Even with their offensive struggles, there should be no looking past the Jets in this one. Here are the three keys to victory for the Browns tonight.

1. Establish a Rushing Attack

While the Jets defense has been great this year, they have been susceptible to the run. Cleveland has really struggled to run the football this year, especially over the last month. But, this is the worst rush defense that they have faced in the past six weeks. Establishing a run will take the pressure off the passing game and will allow Cleveland to control the tempo.

2. Contain Breece Hall

Breece Hall is the one guy on offense that Cleveland needs to have circled on every play. When the football is in his hands he can make big plays. If Cleveland can limit him on Thursday they will dominate this Jets offense.

3. Spread The Rock

Joe Flacco has had completions to at least eight different receivers in each of his first four games. Thursday it will be critical for him to distribute the ball where the defense tells him to and not force it to Amari. It is important that the entire receiving crew is ready to make plays. Big drops will kill this team if they continue.

4. Turn The Ball Over

Last week I said that I was close to claiming the Browns need to turn the ball over to win. Well, here we are. Joe Flacco has thrown an interception in all four of his games. In the last three, he has thrown more than one and responded after it. Kidding aside, turnovers are, unfortunately, a part of what this offense is. We will take the good with the bad with Joe Flacco, so turning it over isn't the end of the world. Just keep them limited.

If the Browns hit on these three things Thursday Night, they will be primed for a massive victory and will punch their ticket to the playoffs.