Cleveland Browns: Three Dawg Bones to Victory

The first place of the AFC North Cleveland Browns host the Detroit Lions in another Lake Erie battle. The Browns defeated the Lions 24-6 on August 24th earlier this year. That was meaningless exhibition football. Sunday is the real deal. Here is what it will take to defeat the Lions this weekend.

Dawg Bone #1
Avoid Interceptions Mr. Weeden

The Lions are second in the NFL with eight interceptions. They have to be salivating at the mouth knowing that Brandon Weeden is the starting quarterback again. It’s going to be hard enough to beat them without throwing an interception. If Weeden throws two more interceptions, the Browns will lose this game. The Lions rank 10th in the NFL in “Net Points from Turnovers”. Though it will be difficult, Weeden must control the game and not make any errant throws.

Dawg Bone #2
Optimus Haden must disassemble Megatron

Joe Haden is having an all-pro year so far. He did get turned around a few times a week ago by rookie Robert Woods vs. Buffalo though. Other than last week, Haden has pretty much shutdown the opponents’ best receiver all year so far. However, that’s what being an all-pro corner back is about and Haden must continue this against Calvin Johnson. The Browns would be smart to “mirror” Johnson with Haden. Basically, wherever Johnson lines up, Haden is right there in his face. Cleveland cannot let Megatron beat them if he plays.

(If Johnson does not play)

Dawg Bone #2

Spy Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush has found new life in Detroit. Since coming into the league eight seasons ago, the Lions offense seems to be the best fit for him. Bush averages over 140 all-purpose yards per game. He can do it all and is on pace to set a season high best for him, 1,260 yards rushing. Bush is gaining near 5 yards every time he is handed the football. The Browns must be aware of where Bush is at all times. The Lions use him everywhere. Bush has been seen split out, in the slot, and in multiple forms in the backfield. If Johnson does not play, Bush is the Lions’ second best option on offense. Cleveland needs to assign a player to Bush all game, perhaps Craig Robertson.

Dawg Bone #3

Run Willis, Run

With Weeden starting again, the Browns must establish a decent run game. Believe it or not, Willis McGahee has improved each game since being picked up by the Browns. Last week against the Bengals, McGahee ran for 72 yards on 26 carries. The 31-year-old running back did also score a touchdown in the home win. If history serves correctly, McGahee should improve again vs. the Lions. In his career against Detroit, McGahee has 29 carries for 142 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 4.9 yards a carry vs. the Lions. McGahee must take some pressure off of Weeden by running hard and effectively.

Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan (BrownsWriter) Ruiz and Twitter @ryanpruiz24. Ryan is also a Browns correspondent for The Sportsfix. Tune in every Friday at noon on www.thesportsfix.net.