Browns vs Chargers Week 9: 3 things Cleveland needs to get another victory

Week 9 could be important for many in the NFL including the Browns and Chargers before the NFL trade deadline

Things have changed after the Cleveland Browns were able to get back into the win column last Sunday with an upset victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This will be the Browns last home game before the bye week, as Cleveland will look to build momentum and make a potential playoff push as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

Kickoff is at 1:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on CBS with Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Aditi Kinkhabwala on the call.

Here are the three things to watch for in this pivotal matchup.

Building momentum on the offensive side with Jameis Winston

Considering how the Browns offense has looked for most of the year, last week’s performance was a step in the right direction. The passing offense looked crisp, the offensive line held up in protection, and the skill position groups rose to the occasion. Can it continue this week? Make no mistake, the Chargers defense will be a stiff test:

• 2nd in Defensive EPA/per play
• 4th in Defensive Success Rate
• 13th in Takeaways
• 3rd in Dropback EPA/per play

For Cleveland, playing a clean game should be the priority. Quarterback Jameis Winston played exceptionally last week but he also had some throws that should’ve been intercepted. Chargers defense is sound fundamentally and they can make the Browns pay if the offense makes mistakes. Expect the running game for Cleveland to gain some steam.

Is this the game that Nick Chubb eclipses 100+ yards rushing?

It’s not out of the realm of possibility. The Browns running game hasn’t been great this season but last week the running game started to get some traction. Running back Nick Chubb is close to getting back into his top 5 form:

As far as the Chargers run defense goes, Cleveland can exploit it. Chargers defensive tackle Poona Ford is stout but the rest of the interior defensive line can be exploited. Guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio had one of their better outings of the season and they will look to build upon that performance.

Will the Browns secondary step up if Denzel Ward is out?

With cornerback Denzel Ward being in concussion protocol, his status for Sunday’s game is in doubt. If Ward can’t go, the rest of the Browns cornerback room will have to step up. Cornerbacks Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson have had their fair share of struggles this season but the Chargers receiver corps have players who can create opportunities for quarterback Justin Herbert.

Rookie Ladd McConkey has emerged as a reliable option for Herbert. He’s someone who can generate explosive plays with his YAC ability. Cleveland’s secondary hasn’t been bad this season but they haven’t played to their standard. The matchups I would trot out if Ward doesn’t play on Sunday would be something like this.

• Martin Emerson vs Quentin Johnston (Johnston is a big body, but can’t get separation)
• Cam Mitchell vs Ladd McConkey (Mitchell has the quickness to keep up with McConkey)
• Greg Newsome vs Josh Palmer

Again, this is a suggestion but we shall see on Sunday what defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz does.

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What do you think is the key for the Browns to pull out another victory on Sunday? Share your thoughts in the comment section below