The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of a rebound win after getting out-manned in the defensive trenches a week ago. Last year, the Browns and Chargers went down to the last drive of the game, as Los Angeles came away as the winner of a game that combined for 89 points.
This year, both teams enter with a record of 2-2 and are looking to get back above .500. The Browns are getting healthy just in time for the meat of their schedule, while the Chargers are trending in the opposite direction.
As the two teams look to take the field tomorrow afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium, what does our Browns Wire staff think of this matchup?
Brad Ward
The Cleveland Browns need to stick to the formula against the Chargers on Sunday. Their ability to be multiple in the run game should allow them continued success on the ground.
Getting some key players back on the defensive side of the ball should help but it will be important for defensive coordinator Joe Woods to put together a good game plan and find a way to make Justin Herbert uncomfortable in the pocket.
A big day from Myles Garrett would go a long way. The Browns play a competitive game, but Herbert is too much in the end and they fall to 2-3 in a loss at home.
Browns 27, Chargers 31
Jeff Risdon
The Browns run game against the Chargers run defense is a huge advantage, one Kevin Stefanski can ride. The Browns mistake-prone secondary will have its hands full with Justin Herbert, but injuries have blunted the L.A. attack.
Myles Garrett returns to face a rookie backup and that’s a matchup that can help Cleveland’s inconsistent defense get enough stops or takeaways. Between the early kick, the precision of Jacoby Brissett and the one-dimensional Chargers attack, I like the Browns to be able to outscore the visitors. Hopefully this year’s game is a little less wild than last year’s.
Browns 37, Chargers 33
Cory Kinnan
I remain that this matchup will be close all the way down to the wire. The Chargers have only scored 30 points just one time all season, and that was against a worse defense than the Browns tout in the Houston Texans. The Chargers cannot run the ball, which is perfect because the Browns can’t stop the run.
The secondary is clicking at the right time in Cleveland, and the Chargers are low on weapons. The Browns are catching the Chargers at the right time, and they should be able to control the game offensively with their success rate both throwing and running the ball on first down, and their ability to grind out the clock on the ground.
There is no reason to think this week will be any different as the Browns have faced off against better run defenses than that of which the Chargers will field. It will be close, but the Browns come away winners in this one.
Browns 31, Chargers 28
