The Battle of Ohio will take place on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium when the Cleveland Browns (4-4) travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals (5-3). Both teams are coming off losses and will be looking to get back in the W column.
There's been a lot headlines coming out of Cleveland recently regarding the status of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and the health of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stressed the magnitude of this game to his team early this week.
"We have to get a win," Stefanski said. "Our lives depend on it is the way we look at it. We’re desperate."
Cincinnati Bengals:Sunday's game against the Browns will show the state of the Bengals O-Line
In order for the Bengals to stay undefeated in the AFC North, they'll have to play much better than they did against the New York Jets in Week 8.
Here's what the Bengals need to do to beat the Browns:
Control the line of scrimmage
This game is going to come down to who wins at the line of scrimmage. The Browns have arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL in Myles Garrett who leads the NFL in sacks with 10.5.
Cincinnati will have to account for not only Garrett but defensive end Jadeveon Clowney too in terms of pass protection. If the Bengals allow the Browns' defensive line to get to quarterback Joe Burrow too often, it could be a long day for Cincinnati's offense.
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On the other side of the ball, the Bengals defensive line needs to have a big day, in the run and pass game. The Browns have the No. 1 rushing attack with running back Nick Chubb carrying the load and he's previously given Cincinnati's defense fits.
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Through seven games, it's been evident the Bengals' defense goes as the defensive line goes. Defensive tackles Larry Ogunjobi and D.J. Reader need to play well in addition to the pass rushing duo of Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson.
Cincinnati's defense must be assignment sound and tackle better
The Bengals had 15 missed tackles in their 34-31 loss to the Jets and that's far too many. They also allowed 55 yards on screen passes. It was an uncharacteristic performance in many ways as Cincinnati has been a sound defensive team all season.
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As mentioned above, if the Bengals don't fit their runs the right way, Chubb will gash Cincinnati in the run game all day. If the Bengals are able to limit Chubb's production running the ball, they should come out on top. Chubb ranks No. 3 in rushing yards in the NFL with 584 yards and four touchdowns.
Play turnover free football
Joe Burrow ranks second in the league in interceptions seven games into the season with nine. The Bengals and Burrow can't afford to turn the ball over when they get on the field.
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If Burrow has time in the pocket and doesn't turn the ball over, Cincinnati should win the game. The game could likely come down to who has the ball last and the Bengals can't give Cleveland more chances than the Browns deserve.
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