WHAT EVERYONE — AND THEN NO ONE — IS TALKING ABOUT WITH BROWNS-TITANS
By STEVE KING
You already know the scenario for Sunday’s key AFC game in Nashville between two 8-3 teams, the Browns and Tennessee Titans.
Because of their well-stated problems in stopping the run and the presence of the game’s top back in the Titans’ Derrick Henry, this was always going to be a tough match-up for the Browns, who need another offseason — or two — to build their defense. And if the Browns sell out to stop Henry, then that opens up passing lanes for Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is not flashy but extremely efficient.
But when you add to it the fact that the Browns, while getting back standout end Myles Garrett and linebacker Sione Takitaki, are really banged up in the secondary, it becomes even more of a challenge.
To keep that defense off the field, the Browns need to run the ball well themselves with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt so as to chew up yards and the clock. And to lessen Henry’s importance in the game, the Browns also need to get out to a decent lead, forcing Tannehill to throw more than the Titans want him to. It’s not a great option because, again, of Tannehill’s efficiency and his ability to beat you nearly by himself, but it’s the best option.
And if the Titans crowd the box, then Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has to be equally efficient — and productive — with his throws.
As stated, you knew all that before you started reading this piece.
So, then, what’s the other big key for Browns, the one that no one has discussed, or will?
It’s simply that sometimes, when things don’t stack up favorably, a team just has to find a way to win through its grit, toughness, ability to play as a complementary entity and its refusal to lose. It’s called attitude and mindset. That’s how magical seasons are built, and a win in this game would soar the Browns both perceptually and in terms of their growth, maturity and confidence. It would be a season- and era-defining victory, a seminal moment for the reborn Browns as they try to build not just a one-season winner, but a consistent one going forward.
Are the Browns capable of pulling off such a win, and generating such a moment?
Yes, they are, definitely and without question.
Logic seems to suggest that it might be too big of a challenge for the Browns — too much to ask of them at this stage of their development. But at the same time, I would not be at all surprised if these scrappy, determined Browns shock the world and do it.
