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New York Jets: 4 Keys to Defeating the Browns On Monday Night Football

By Zachary Bachar

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 08: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets signals for a first down against the Buffalo Bills during the at MetLife Stadium on September 08, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Buffalo Bills defeated the New York Jets 17-16. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 08: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets signals for a first down against the Buffalo Bills during the at MetLife Stadium on September 08, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Buffalo Bills defeated the New York Jets 17-16. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /
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New York Jets
Le’Veon Bell, New York Jets. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Give Le’Veon Bell 20+ touches

Although the Browns scored only 13 points in their debut, their offense is still star-studded. It features playmakers like Nick Chubb, Jarvis Landry, and Odell Beckham. Players who can score from seemingly anywhere, at any time. One of the best ways to stop Cleveland’s weapons from succeeding is to keep them on the sidelines.

Controlling the pace of the game, as well as the time of possession are critical components. They are definitely a factor in a primetime game where nerves will be on end for both teams. Giving workhorse running back Le’Veon Bell the bulk of the carries would help out tremendously, as his measured style of play can dictate the flow of a game however he wants it to.

Even if the Jets fall into a quick 7-0 or 10-3 hole, it’s important for head coach Adam Gase to remain calm and continue to feed Bell. In his last full season with the Steelers, Pittsburgh was 7-1 in games where he received at least 20 carries.

With starting quarterback Sam Darnold ruled out for Monday’s game, having a strong rushing attack is more important than ever. If the Jets are going to win, they need to control the ground game and pound the rock on every single drive.

Protect the Ball

While this can be applied to practically every NFL team, it’s imperative that the New York Jets focus on ball security. The Browns were second in the league in forcing turnovers last year, finishing the season with 31 takeaways.

Holding on to the pigskin starts with backup quarterback Trevor Siemian, who is going to have his hands full on Monday night. He’ll need to protect the football on every down, with talented pass rushers like Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon coming at him each snap. The pair combined for 20.5 combined sacks in 2018.

Siemian’s throws will have to be quick and accurate. Cleveland has ball-hawking players like Denzel Ward and Damarious Randall (seven combined interceptions in 2018) roaming the secondary. If he can play a mistake-free game, then the Jets have a much easier path to victory.

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