The Cleveland Browns are coming off a massive 27-24 win over division rival Pittsburgh Steelers and now have a chance to start 4-1. With three straight wins and currently sitting at the top of the AFC North, the Browns look to add to this momentum in an already strong 2026 campaign.
The Browns will head to MetLife Stadium to face the 1-3 New York Jets, a team that is desperately looking to get back on track. If the Browns want to keep the strong start going, there are a few key things that need to happen if they want to keep the winning streak alive.
3 Important Keys To Start Season 4-1
Pressure Geno Smith
The pass rush did a great job last week against the Steelers, recording five sacks and fifteen quarterback pressures, making it a little more difficult for Aaron Rodgers throughout the game. The defense will look to build on the strong performance last week, as it was shown to have a strong impact.
The Jets offensive line has struggled to protect Geno Smith, being sacked 12 times in just 4 games this season, giving the opportunity to create pressure. With team sack leader Mason Graham being week to week, others on the line are being looked at to fill the role.
Smith has fared well this season even if the record doesn’t show. He has completed 72.7% of his passes without recording an interception. The defense is going to need to find ways to pressure Smith in the pocket if they want to improve their chances of coming out with a win.
Watson Needs To Protect The Football
Deshaun Watson has played well through the last three games of the season, but taking care of the football has been a bit shaky.
Watson threw for 268 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh, but also had an interception and a lost fumble. Through four games, he has six touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 69.6% of his passes for 855 yards.
If Watson can continue to make plays and drive the ball downfield while limiting the turnovers, there is a good chance that they walk out of MetLife 4-1.
Establish The Run Game
The run game has been looking more consistent in the past two games, and rolling into the Jets, it is a perfect time to get the ground game going. They have allowed 123.5 rushing yards per game this season, which ranks them 25th in the NFL.
This gives Quinshon Judkins the perfect opportunity to get going, as he will look to be a dependable option to control the game on the ground.
The Last Word
With one win away from starting 4-1, something that hasn’t happened since the 2020 season, which was filled with many recent memories for the fans. Going 11-5, making the playoffs and winning the Wild Card game against the Steelers, before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 22-17 in the Divisional Round. They have another chance to reach that 4-1 mark to potentially recreate that amazing playoff run of the 2020 season.
Main Image: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
