October 5, 2024

Cleveland’s Defense Must Stop the Big Play on Sunday

When the Bears offense clicking they are built off the big play. If the Browns can stop the big one, they will be able to shut down this group and lead the team to victory.

The Chicago Bears‘ 5-8 record is incredibly deceiving as they have been very good over the past month. They have been 3-1 since the middle of November and since returning from injury, quarterback Justin Fields has been playing well.

In the last three starts, Fields is completing 64 percent of his passes for 203 yards per game for two touchdowns and zero interceptions. On the ground is where he really thrives. He carries the ball 13.5 times per game for 73 yards with one score over that stretch

All together, Fields is contributing 276 yards and a couple of touchdowns per game in this most recent stretch of winning football.

He has two favorite targets, the first is wide receiver DJ Moore. Moore is having a spectacular season. He has the seventh most receiving yards in all of the NFL with 1,071 yards. His seven touchdowns on the year are tied for fourth-best in the league. He is a big play threat and will present a massive challenge for the Browns.

The second target is tight end Cole Kmet who is having a breakout year himself. Kmet has 548 yards and five touchdowns on the season. He has the second-most receiving yards on the team and when the Bears need to move the chains, they look to No. 85.

The Bears’s run game is one of the best in all of football. They are the fourth-ranked rushing attack in the league and their 57 runs of 10-plus yards is first in the league. It’s a rushing attack by committee. Their 138 yards per game is made up by Fields, D’onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert.

The Browns are confident that they will be able to stop this offensive attack, even with the onslaught of injuries.

The defensive line is going to have to make its mark on Sunday. Justin Fields will take sacks. He has the longest time to throw in the NFL and it is up to the Browns front to pressure him and also keep him contained. They cannot let him get loose and take off running down the field.

The secondary has to lock in on stopping DJ Moore. If Denzel Ward is able to play he will most likely have the assignment, but if not, Greg Newsome and MJ Emerson will have their hands full with Moore.

Sunday will be a big day for Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Anthony Walker. They will have the challenge of guarding Cole Kmet and making big stops against a running Justin Fields.

The weather will play a factor in this one. While this offense has explosive potential, they also will turn the ball over. Fields is prone to fumble the football and if the Browns can cover well, they will force Fields into an interception or two.

This is a statement game for the Browns. They are beaten up badly but they have a chance to smother this offense. If they keep the explosive plays down, the Browns will have a good chance to get out with a win.

 

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