Break into the Raiders' backfield
The Browns have been disruptive in the backfield in their last four games, notching 18 sacks and 42 tackles for loss. DE Myles Garrett had 11 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in that time frame, creating havoc for the opposition.
QB Geno Smith and RB Ashton Jeanty will be Cleveland's next targets to bring down in the backfield. Jeanty only had six carries for seven yards against the Cowboys in Week 11, far off the number of carries and yards he averages per game. Jeanty has averaged 14.9 carries and 55.1 yards per game in 10 games. If the Raiders return to giving Jeanty his usual dose of carries, the Browns need to be intentional about how they stop him given his 5-foot-8, 220 lb. frame.
"I'd say this with the running back, (Ashton) Jeanty's tape looks a lot better than his stats," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "You look at his stats, he's averaging 3.7, which isn't great. But then you watch his tape, and you don't see where that is because that guy is breaking tackles, making people miss. There is like nothing to hit on him. He's like a bowling ball out there."
Stopping the run like the Cowboys did will force the Raiders to pass the ball. While the Browns have proven they can get to the quarterback in recent games, they have also shown they can make plays on passes as well. Cleveland has seven interceptions in the last four games, gaining extra possessions for the offense.
Smith has thrown for 2,082 passing yards this season with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He has thrown an interception in eight of 10 games played this season, including in three consecutive games. Smith's turnover tendencies this season play into Cleveland's defensive momentum and could allow the Browns to slow down Las Vegas.
"It's been a tough season for him. I think like 12 touchdowns, 13 picks," S Grant Delpit said. "Some of those picks aren't his fault and stuff like that but hopefully our guys put some pressure on him up front and force him into some bad decisions in this game."