The Browns have the best home record in the AFC as they complete a two-game sweep.
The Browns currently hold the AFC’s best home record at Cleveland Browns Stadium with 6 wins and 1 loss.
They’ll look to build on that record Sunday when they host the Bears in a Week 15 matchup on the lake.
So let’s take a look at three keys to the Browns game on Sunday.Justin Fields is a dual-threat quarterback.
The Browns have had one dual threat this season and will have another in QB Justin Fields on Sunday.
Not only does he have a strong throwing arm, Fields is very mobile and can find players on the field.
He also knows how to extend his game and use his feet.
Through nine games this season, Fields has completed 162 of 255 passes for 1,810 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Fields also rushed for 458 yards on 89 carries and two touchdowns.
According to DC Jim Schwartz, the Browns have several plans in place for their passers that could be applied to Sunday’s game.
“It’s important to address it over long periods of play, not just address it over time,” Schwartz said.
“He was near the top of the league in field time and not necessarily defensively. It’s time to throw and he buys time with his legs. “
So it’s going to take a little longer in our coverage and we’re going to need different rush methods or extra guys, helpers, different pressure packages to be successful.
“Find your success in the passing gameNot only can the Browns use veteran QB Joe Flacco’s arm strength on Sunday, but they can also take advantage of the Bears’ passive defense.
In the first two games, Flacco completed 49 of 89 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns. 55.1% complete.
He connected on at least eight pass catches in two games, spreading the ball around and finding positions for players to take action.
“There are definitely elements to his game,” WR Elijah Moore said, “He’s been playing football so long that he can be a little late seeing the big picture with his experience.”
“I think we’ve got to make sure every receiver has an every-route mentality at all times and everybody’s ready.
I think it brings us closer together as an offense, especially as receivers in the quarterback tandem.
“The Bears have struggled in pass defense this season, giving up 3,001 passing yards (23rd in the league) and 24 touchdowns (30th in the league).
But OC Alex Van Pelt said the Bears’ pass defense has improved over the last four games and could cause problems for the Browns.
The Bears passing game also features DE Montez Sweat, who Van Pelt described as a good passer and good physicality against the run.
Accept the Bears’ improved defensive line and DL Montez SweatThe Bears’ defense has grown, especially in the pass rush, since trading DL Montez Sweat in late October.
Van Pelt described Sweat as a very good runner with good physical strength for running. Stefanski saw similar traits in Sweat’s ability to pressure defenders and track down players.
“He’s big, long, athletic, physical and has great power,” Stefanski said.
“He puts pressure on defenders, gets sacks. You can tell right away how loud it is, but it’s very loud. I have great respect for him.”
In five games with the Bears, Sweat totaled 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two passes defensed and 10 quarterback hurries.
However, in addition to the sweat, the overall defensive line has improved. Heading into Week 9, the Bears are ranked No. 5 in overall defense.
LG Joel Bitonio said the Bears’ defensive front is a mobile front.
“So even though they’re defending the bases, their players are going to move around and get into different holes,” Bitonio said.
“So there are many and they come from this tree of constant pursuit. So this is a big challenge for us.”
