3 Things to Watch for when the Chicago Bears Face the Cleveland Browns
By Todd Welter
Offensive tackle Braxton Jones trying to minimize Myles Garrett’s impact on the game.
The Browns’ defense is banged up.
Browns safety Grant Delpit goes to I.R. with a groin injury.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) December 13, 2023
DL Ogbo Okoronkwo could be out for the season with a pec issue.
Safety Juan Thornhill (calf) did not practice today.
Fellow safety Rodney McLeod suffered a season-ending biceps tear last month.
DT Jordan Elliott is in…
The NFL’s top-ranked defense still has a game-wrecking edge rusher healthy in Myles Garrett. He made quarterback Justin Fields’ starting debut in 2021 miserable as he sacked Justin 4.5 times. He racked up those sacks thanks to a terrible offensive game plan former head coach Matt Nagy drew up.
Nagy had an old Jason Peters at left tackle, who was still working himself into shape after spending the offseason fishing, trying to block Garrett one-on-one. Garrett also ate up Germain Ifedi when he lined up on the other side of the line.
The talent at tackle will be much better on Fields’ return trip. Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright are younger and more athletic. They need to be up to the task of taking on Garrett who is aiming to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Jones especially has to have a good game against Garrett as Myles typically attacks the left tackle.
Some defenses move elite edge rusher all over the front. The #Browns will align Myles Garrett inside and occasionally at left end, but entering this week, 85.4% of his snaps have come at right end (511 of 598). That highlights what a huge assignment #Bears LT Braxton Jones has.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) December 15, 2023
Garrett is going to be disruptive. He is just too good to be neutralized. Braxton needs to make sure Garrett does not wreck the offense much like he did two years ago.
Hopefully, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will give him some help. The Chicago Bears do have tight end Marcedes Lewis to provide that assistance. The ageless Lewis is still one of the best blocking tight ends and this is where he needs to have his best game.