Here are three keys for the Browns to beat the Commanders this weekend:

1. Make Daniels uncomfortable

Through his first four games as a pro, Daniels has completed 87 of 106 passes, for an astonishing completion percentage of 82.1. On film, the former LSU star can make all the NFL throws from the pocket or on the move, using different arm angles and platforms.

He uses his feet to keep plays alive in the pocket, scrambles when necessary and makes designed quarterback runs in the red zone. As impressive as his physical abilities, the former Heisman Trophy winner demonstrates remarkable poise and leadership on the field.

Ways to make Daniels uncomfortable

Commander Kliff Kingsbury offensive coordinator has effectively used a short passing game to help Daniels find his rhythm early in games. This early success boosts his confidence, making it easier to perform more challenging throws later.

To counter this, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will have to disrupt Daniels’ timing by forcing him out of his spot, forcing him through his progressions and taking away the quick, easy throws. Applying physical pressure could be the most effective way to shake the young quarterback’s confidence.

The Browns’ defensive front needs to focus on generating hits and pressure on Daniels. Sacks are less critical than hits, allowing him to focus on rushing instead of his reads.

2. Take McLaurin away

“Scary” Terry McLaurin has 19 receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns this season. The former Ohio State star is the number one option for Daniels, especially when he is under pressure. McLaurin does a great job beating man coverage and is extremely quarterback-friendly against zone coverage.

“Quarterback-friendly” means McLaurin reads the defense the same way Daniels does. He will be in the right place, make himself available and reliably absorb everything that comes his way.

How can the Browns slow down McLaurin?

While seemingly not as dominant as it was in 2023, the Browns’ pass defense only gives up a few more yards than last season. Last year, the Browns ranked second in passing yards given up per game at 171.1. Through four games this year, the defense ranks 10th, allowing just 175.8 per game.

The difference is the number of uncontested throws and easy completions for opposing quarterbacks. Successful pass defense starts with stopping the run on early downs and creating pressure on the front seven in long-yardage situations. The more defenses stop the run, the more pressure the front seven can create, the better the coverage will be from the secondary.

One consistent factor for the Browns was the excellent play of corner Denzel Ward. With McLaurin this week, and players like AJ Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Zay Flowers, Chris Olave and George Pickens in the coming weeks, Schwartz could decide to put Ward at the other team’s top receiver.

The once famous “Revis Island,” made famous by legendary corner Darrelle Revis, could be an option for the Browns defense. Ward would travel with the other team’s best receiver and be left alone in man coverage.

Below is a previous match between Ward and McLaurin. On this particular play, Ward does an excellent job of undercutting the route and getting the interception.

3. Return to the gap arrangements

The Browns are averaging just 94.8 yards rushing per game this season. That’s down from the average 118.6 yards in 2023, and a steep drop from the 146.5 yards per game in 2022.

Injuries to Nick Chubb, as well as several offensive linemen, and coaching changes have all been factors in the struggling run game. For me, though, the biggest change is in the running scheme that Stefanski and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey use.

Through the first four games, the team has primarily relied on variations of inside zone runs. Stefanski could consider returning to the power and counter gap schemes that brought him significant success during his tenure with the Browns. Compared to zone schemes, gap schemes generally offer offensive linemen more freedom, better blocking angles and allow for greater physicality.

Below is one of the few gap schedules the Browns have run through the first four weeks of the season. This is a same-side counter in which running back Jerome Ford starts toward the quarterback and then returns to the left side.

Left tackle James Hudson (66), left guard Joel Bitonio (75) and center Nick Harris (53) all step with their right foot and block to the right. Right guard Zak Zinter (70) will pull to his left and kick out the defensive end. Tight end Jordan Akins (88) will pull and move upfield between Zinter’s kickout and Hudson and Bitonio’s down blocks.

This counter-gap plan resulted in a 35-yard run for Ford. Below the photos is a clip from the sideline and end zone film of the same play.

What we learned

The Browns seemingly find themselves in a must-win situation this week in Washington. The focus will be on disrupting Daniels and a Commanders offense that has scored 80 points in the last two games.

That said, the Browns need to take care of their own mistakes before even worrying about the opponent.

Lance Reisland is the former coach at Garfield Heights High School, where he was an assistant for his father Chuck for 18 seasons and head coach for four seasons from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, his team finished 11-1 and appeared in the league. OHSAA Division II Regional Semifinals. That team went 10-0 and made history as the first Garfield Heights team in 41 years to have an undefeated regular season, along with defeating Warren G. Harding for the first playoff victory in school history.