Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns: Three Keys to the Game

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) jumps to make a catch in the end zone for an interception during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

The Buffalo Bills’ Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns kicks off on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Orchard Park.

It has been a deflating week for Buffalo Bills fans everywhere.

After a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, and with their playoff hopes now holding on by a strand, the Bills turn their attention to the lowly Cleveland Browns.

Facing an 0-13 Brown’s squad, and playing at home, the Bills would have to self-destruct in order to lose to Cleveland. But, hey, anything is possible and we’re going to chug along anyway.

Each week during the regular season, this column will provide the three ways the Bills can secure a victory. So, without further ado, here’s the Three Keys to the Game for the matchup against the Browns, which kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. at New Era Field on CBS.

Shut down Isaiah Crowell

Even with some weapons on the outside, Robert Griffin III isn’t the quarterback he once was and Cleveland running back Isaiah Crowell is coming off of a monster week against the Cincinnati Bengals — rushing for 113 yards on just 10 carries.

After watching the Buffalo run defense struggle against Le’Veon Bell last week, the Browns have to be licking their chops.

Now, the Cleveland offensive line is nowhere near as talented as Pittsburgh’s, but Buffalo could get a nice boost Sunday with a possible return of Kyle Williams. The defensive tackle practiced Friday and according to BuffaloBills.com lead reporter Chris Brown, Williams will be a game-time decision Sunday.

Cordy Glenn doubtful for Sunday. Kyle Williams looking like a game time decision - questionable. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) December 16, 2016

There is a clear difference when Williams is on the field and when he’s not. In fact, Williams is Pro Football Focus’ 13th-ranked interior defensive lineman. They will need him Sunday. Plus, he’ll provide a veteran presence on the field for a team in turmoil.

Needless to say, if the Bills can shut down the run, they’ll put Cleveland in second-and-long and third-and-long often and will be able to send some additional rushers when Griffin drops back to pass.

Let Tyrod Taylor be a quarterback

There’s two different strategic opinions about the next three games. Some folks think the verdict is in and Rex Ryan and Tyrod Taylor should be gone so these games don’t matter one way or another, while others believe the jury is still out on both and they still have an opportunity to save their futures.

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But here’s the thing, if Taylor’s still the starting quarterback the rest of the season, what he does over these next three weeks shouldn’t be ignored, even if it is against the Browns, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. Let a Taylor drop back 40 times a game. He’s never going to get better as a passer if he isn’t given the opportunity to pass the ball on a regular basis.

Yes, the Bills rank dead last in passing yards this season, but it’s not because Taylor is the worst quarterback in the league. He’s far from it. In fact, his passer rating ranks 23rd, and ahead of Cam Newton, Carson Wentz and Joe Flacco. While 23rd isn’t very impressive, it’s also far from what some Bills fans think Taylor is.

With the Bills likely eliminated from the playoffs in the coming weeks, this is an opportunity to get away from the ground-and-pound and find out what Taylor is as a passer.

Yes, these still aren’t games against the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, which are the games you want to see Taylor thrive, they’re still worth something.

Don’t self-destruct

At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple.

The Bills have much more talent than the Cleveland Browns. And it’s not even really close.

However, Buffalo has the tendency to overthink and take terrible — sometimes inexcusable — penalties. The Bills cannot give the Browns first downs because of penalties, because if they do they could become the first team to lose to Cleveland this season.

Prediction: Bills 35, Browns 14

Again, it’s black-and-white, Buffalo has too much talent for Cleveland to handle. As long as the Bills don’t overthink things and make catastrophic mistakes they’ll be okay.

Rex Ryan and Tyrod Taylor will take a step away from the hot seat for at least one week.

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