5 Reasons Why The Bengals Will Beat The Browns

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Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs against Baltimore Ravens free safety Kendrick Lewis (23) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Non Existent Run Game

Many people have focused a lot on the Browns QB situation and for good reason, but it’s not nearly the biggest problem they have at this point. One of the least talked about problems is the Browns run game, or lack thereof.

The Browns had high hopes that they would have a great running game this season. Cleveland expected their running game to improve over their running game of 2014 and carry the offense through 2015. So far the run game has looked largely the same — beyond sub-par.

The Browns have rushed for 819 yards on 244 attempts for a 3.4 yards/attempt average. Their 819 total rushing yards and 3.4 yards per attempt are both ranked dead last. That will not win them games.

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While the passing game is important for the Browns and for every team in the NFL, it will only get you so far. If a team cannot run the ball consistently, then that limits what you can do on offense. Those limitations will likely put teams at the mercy of opposing defenses. This is something the Browns have experienced a lot throughout the season.

Davis needs all the help he can during his first start and the running game would be a great way to ease his workload. Unfortunately, I just do not see the run game making any progress this Sunday. As I said earlier the Bengals have a great defense.

The Bengals have the 13th best run defense, as they give up an average of 99.8 yards/game on the ground.

If the Browns have not been able to run against the likes of the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Baltimore Ravens, then they will not do much better against the Bengals defense this weekend.

Next: Defensive Struggles