Ohio’s Cleveland With a ton of injuries going into a pivotal Week 14 game, the Browns have everything to lose. Three of their last five games will be played at home, where they have a 5-1 record this season.
The Jaguars, who are playing in Jacksonville this weekend, have also been plagued by injuries. Naturally, starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s severe sprain sustained during the Jaguars’ 34-31 loss to the Bengals on Monday night is the most significant ailment. C.J. Beathard will be the signal caller if he is unable to travel.
Whether or not Lawrence plays, remember these three strategies to defeat the Jaguars this coming weekend:
1. Put two defensive tackles on each team.
In their Monday night loss, the Jaguars allowed the Bengals 491 total yards. The Jacksonville defensive tackles were often double-teamed by the Cincinnati offensive line, which also produced amazing vertical displacement backward. Joe Mixon and Chase Brown combined for 129 yards of rushes for the Bengals thanks to this movement.
The interior offensive line of the Browns is their greatest strength, whereas the interior defensive line of the Jaguars is their worst vulnerability. Together with center Ethan Pocic, guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller should be able to put a tremendous amount of pressure on the Jaguars’ defensive tackles. On paper, the Browns have a significant advantage in this matchup. Utilizing it is necessary.
A terrific view of the Jaguars defensive tackles being double-teamed and pushed backward by the Bengals can be found below. Mixon scores a touchdown run of six yards after the play. With two teams instead of one, the Browns can defeat the Jaguars with the same degree of success.
The Browns will attempt to get Lawrence off his place and move on from his damaged ankle if he decides to play. They will want to eliminate the quick, safe passing game that was employed against the Bengals if Beathard plays.
This is a game where short passing will be crucial, regardless of who gets the start. Last week, Evan Engram showed why he is a matchup nightmare for NFL defenders with nine receptions for 82 yards. He can easily outmuscle safeties and linebackers thanks to his size and quickness, especially in the red zone and short passing game. Expect the Browns to match up with Engram on crucial downs by taking advantage of Martin Emerson Jr.’s size and length.
Here’s a peek at Engram’s flat screen versus the Bengals. Lawrence is aware that, on this first-and-10 play, Cincinnati is in a six-man box with zero-man coverage. Jacksonville will block both outside receivers as they run a flat screen to Engram.
