The Detroit Lions (4-4) are coming off of a huge 30-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers (4-4) on Monday Night Football. They now find themselves in second place in the NFC North and are looking to keep their winning ways going against a winless Cleveland Browns (0-8) team on Sunday. While the Browns don’t seem like much of a threat, they can’t be taken lightly. Here are three keys to a Detroit Lions victory over the Cleveland Browns:
1. Establish the run
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If there was ever a game that the Lions could establish the run, it’s against the Cleveland Browns. They allow an average of 84.3 rushing yards per game, while the Lions average 79.9 rushing yards per game. If Ammer Abdullah and Theo Riddick can break a few big plays and average more than their normal 3.2 yards per run, then they will be in good position to win the game. The better the run game is, the more prone the defense is to bite on play-action plays.
2. Be better in the red zone
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The red zone woes continued this past week for the Lions as they could only put in the end zone two out of the four times they were in there. If they want to beat the Browns on Sunday then they will have to better in the red zone. If rookie wide-receiver Kenny Golladay is able to play this week, then he is one person that could certainly help fix the problem. Also, when the Lions are lined up on the one-yard line, power running back Zach Zenner could help them improve their red zone efficiency. Overall, Detroit has to be better in the red zone and cannot keep settling for field goals.
3. Keep letting Stafford throw the ball
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Matthew Stafford has been fantastic throwing the ball this season. In last week’s win over the Packers, he was nearly perfect. He went 26/33 for 361 yards and two touchdowns, which is a fantastic stat line. The more the Lions let Stafford throw the ball, the better chance they have to win the game. He continues to prove his worth week after week and he always does whatever he can to win the game.
BONUS CONTENT
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Just like every other NFL team, the Detroit Lions have been bitten by the injury bug this season. However, as the team prepares to make a playoff push Detroit will get some long needed relief in terms of getting players healthy.
Click below to read more:
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-lions-news/cpoposki/breaking-detroit-lions-get-two-important-players-back-from-injury/98098/
