Sadly, the Cleveland Browns have started the season 0-5 for the second year in a row. After a disappointing loss to the New York Jets this past week, the Browns will travel to Houston. Although the Houston Texans have had a stout defense, they just lost both J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus for the season. Offensively, quarterback Deshaun Watson will try to keep the Texans under control and send the Browns to 0-6. While recovering from the Jets loss, Hue Jackson made a move that he believes can help Cleveland get their first win of the year. Let’s take a look at that and many other aspects of this game in the week six Cleveland Browns keys to victory.
Week Six Cleveland Browns Keys to Victory
Expose Defensive Holes
The Houston Texans, defensively, are a sound team. However, as stated earlier, they have lost some key pieces for the entire year. Although Jadeveon Clowney is still in Houston, he will be without his defensive line partner in crime until 2018. J.J. Watt suffered a tibial plateau fracture this past week. Additionally, the Texans are (still) missing Brian Cushing from suspension for PEDs, and again, Whitney Mercilus is out.
If the Browns want to have a chance in this game, they will need to attack Houston’s depleted front seven. Additionally, the run game will need to be a major factor. Whether it be Isaiah Crowell or Duke Johnson, the Browns ground game will need to be involved. This is especially relevant after the following announcement that head coach Hue Jackson made this week.
Hogan’s Heroes?
Hue Jackson has named Kevin Hogan the starting QB
📰 » https://t.co/888i2k5Ept pic.twitter.com/hPfcULfRoX
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 11, 2017
This past week, Jackson named Kevin Hogan the starter for this week against the Texans. Mere weeks after saying that he would stick with Deshone Kizer through his rookie struggles, Jackson made the decision to pull him midway through the last game. When he officially starts this week, Hogan will be the Browns 28th starter since coming back to the league in 1999. So, how can he get it done?
Judging by the tape that on Hogan this year, David Njoku seems to be a favorite target of his. Additionally, other tight end Seth Devalve will likely be one of Hogan’s best friends this Sunday. Both of them are bigger targets, and Hogan’s added touch should make it easier for the receiving corps to catch passes this week.
Dominate the Trenches
This week will by Myles Garrett‘s second NFL game. If you remember Garrett’s first NFL game last week, you might remember that he collected two sacks on just nineteen snaps. Against a Houston offensive line that could really use some work, Garrett will have to show more of the same. Emmanuel Ogbah and Danny Shelton will need to be factors in this game as well, but Garrett will likely be the center of the show on the defensive side.
Seeing as Watson is a mobile quarterback, the Browns will need to work on containing him. Outside of the pocket, Watson can make some huge plays with both his arm and legs. If the Browns can keep him in the pocket and make him a traditional pocket passer, they might have an easier time limiting his damage.
On the offensive side, the Browns will need to work on keeping Clowney out of the backfield. This offensive line will have their hands full, especially if Shon Coleman and J.C. Tretter do not play. While coaches are optimistic about both, it might be best to start game-planning for the both of them being out. If the Browns can keep Hogan on his feet and support the run, they might have a chance at walking into Houston and taking down the Texans.
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