Cleveland vs. San Francisco: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Browns Must Make

Needless to say, both these teams are surprising this year. The 49ers have exploded onto the scene with rookie coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm and lead the NFC West with a 5-1 record. Cleveland has surpassed expectations so far, sitting at 3-3 and still very much in the playoff hunt.

On a beautiful day in San Francisco, the game started ugly for the Browns, and the lead has slowly grown. Both defenses are stout, so this game will hinge on who gets more takeaways and who gives their offense more possessions to work with.

Here are five big halftime adjustments Cleveland must make to pull off the road win today:

1. Dial Down the Blitz

This might seem confusing. But, 49ers' QB Alex Smith is one of the best passers against the blitz so far this season. My gut feeling is that if the Cleveland defense has a blitz-happy game plan, it is going to get burned. Instead, it needs to send the occasional blitz and focus on other aspects of defense.

For example, the San Francisco rushing attack has been ridiculous over the last couple weeks. Stuff the box on obvious rushing downs and don't let them gain an inch. And the impressive pass defense for the Browns should be able to hold its own.

2. Play to Stop the Run

Similar to the first adjustment, the Browns have to recognize that the Niners' game plan is going to be focused on the ground game. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter are going to be utilized a lot, and with an average offensive line in the way, the defense needs to focus on getting to those running backs before they beat the front seven.

If Cleveland is too serious about pass coverage, it are going to miss out on what the 49ers plan to do. Smith has had a good season, but it hasn't been spectacular. He's not an extremely dangerous passer. Shut down the running game, and the Browns suddenly have a chance to come back and win.

3. Get a Turnover

Another big part of shutting down the run game is that forcing Smith to make some tough throws could result in an interception. In the early stages of today's game, he's already looked a bit shaky on passes across the middle, nearly having his first one picked off.

Smith feeds off his own confidence, so if it's rattled, he suddenly is a pretty bad QB. Not only would getting a pick or forcing a fumble be huge for momentum, but it would deflate the Niners' signal-caller and result in more timid decisions.

4. Spread the Passing Game

The 49ers' rush defense hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in nearly two full seasons. The Browns are going to have to win this game through the air, especially with Peyton Hillis on the sideline. Colt McCoy has looked a little tentative today so far, throwing a couple ducks in the first quarter.

But, he's a good quarterback, and there are a couple weapons to throw to. If he can spread the defense with some routes to the sideline or quick hooks, the Browns are going to start moving the ball. The 49ers secondary has come up with some big plays this year, but isn't as solid as the numbers show. Once the field is spread, take advantage and go down field.

5. Protect McCoy

Another thing the Niners have been able to do this season better than in the past is rush the quarterback. McCoy is getting way too much pressure on him early, and it's affecting his passes. If the offensive line can't give Colt time to throw and keep the pass rushers out of the pocket, the Browns won't win.

Nobody runs the ball on the 49er defense, so the passing game is going to have to come up big. And the only way McCoy is going to start making some plays is if he has the time and protection to do so. Protect McCoy, and suddenly he's making passes and putting points on the board.