CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have put themselves in a position few expected six games into the season. At 4-2, they're sitting atop the AFC North following last Sunday's 13-10 victory over Baltimore. Now comes a game they simply need to win.
Cleveland travels to Nashville on Sunday to face the Tennessee Titans, who enter the matchup at 1-5. On paper, it's one of the more favorable games remaining on the Browns' schedule, but Cleveland has already demonstrated that it can struggle against teams it should beat.
The Browns' 17-12 loss to the New York Jets two weeks ago is a reminder of what can happen when the offense fails to produce. Cleveland followed that disappointment with an important division victory against Baltimore, but needed a last-second field goal to overcome another poor offensive performance.
If the Browns hope to remain in first place, they cannot continue putting themselves in those situations.
Another Slow Start Could Be Costly
Cleveland trailed Baltimore 10-0 at halftime before scoring 13 unanswered points to win. The defense kept the Ravens from scoring over the final three quarters, giving the offense enough opportunities to complete the comeback.
But relying on that kind of defensive performance every week isn't a sustainable strategy.
The Browns have struggled to establish consistency on offense, particularly early in games. Cleveland is averaging just 17.7 points per game, and head coach Todd Monken acknowledged this week that the team needs to improve both its play-calling and execution.
Deshaun Watson and the rest of the offense need to find ways to sustain drives, avoid costly penalties, and put points on the board before halftime.
Tennessee presents an opportunity to address those problems, but the Titans' defense shouldn't be overlooked. Despite the team's 1-5 record, Tennessee is allowing 21.5 points per game, ranking 13th in the NFL.
The Titans are also coming off their first victory of the season, a 26-20 win over Indianapolis. Tennessee trailed 13-0 at halftime before scoring 26 second-half points to complete the comeback.
After opening the year with five consecutive losses, the Titans have reason to believe they can build on that performance.
Defense Should Give Cleveland an Advantage
The Browns' defense has been the team's biggest strength, and Sunday's matchup presents another opportunity for the unit to take control.
Cleveland has recorded 19 sacks through six games while allowing just 20.3 points per contest. Against Baltimore, the Browns surrendered only 235 total yards and held Derrick Henry to 58 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Tennessee's offense has struggled throughout the season, averaging just 236.3 yards and 14 points per game. Both figures rank near the bottom of the NFL, with the Titans last in total offense.
Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has shown flashes of ability, but Tennessee has struggled to sustain drives and consistently protect him.
If Cleveland can establish pressure early, force Ward into difficult passing situations, and limit Tennessee's running game, the Browns should give their offense plenty of opportunities to score.
The defense has carried much of the load through the first six games. Against Tennessee, the offense needs to do more of its share.
A Chance to Build Momentum
Sunday's matchup is the first of three consecutive road games for Cleveland, with trips to Pittsburgh and New Orleans following the visit to Nashville.
The Browns have already demonstrated that they can compete with AFC North opponents, but maintaining their position in the division will require consistency against the rest of the schedule.
At 4-2, Cleveland has an opportunity to enter November with five wins and momentum heading into an important road game against Pittsburgh.
A victory over Tennessee won't prove the Browns are legitimate championship contenders, but losing to a 1-5 team would raise serious questions about their ability to sustain their early success.
Cleveland doesn't need a perfect performance Sunday. It does, however, need to avoid another sluggish start, take advantage of a struggling opponent, and leave Nashville with a win.
