After downing the Texans, the Chargers will look to carry momentum when they face the Browns this Sunday.
To get you prepped for the Week 5 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
Running wild
Last season when the Chargers and Browns met, Cleveland’s ground game gashed Los Angeles’ defense. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt combined for a massive 222 yards rushing on the day. This time around, the one-two punch should still pose a threat, as the Browns have been one of the most efficient rushing teams in the NFL. Chubb is tied for second in the league in rushing yards (459), yards per game (114.8) and touchdowns (5). Hunt, on the other hand, hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1, but he is averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
Not so much on the other side of the spectrum
The Browns may be running the football well, but you can’t say they’re nowhere close to that level when it comes to stopping it. Cleveland’s defense falls 30th in run defense DVOA, with the Patriots and Lions as the only two teams behind them. The Browns are tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns allowed (6). A big factor for this issue is the lack of stoutness along the interior part of the defensive line. Tommy Togiai is currently the 126th ranked defensive tackle out of 126. Jordan Elliott is in front of him at 125th. Taven Bryan has been dealing with a hamstring issue.
Jacoby is doing his job
After Deshaun Watson was suspended for 11 games during the 2022 NFL season and fined $5 million for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy, the Browns turned to Jacoby Brissett as the man under center for the time being. While the team has leaned on the running game for offensive success, the veteran spot starter has done a commendable job through four weeks, completing 65% of his passes for 830 yards for four touchdowns to two interceptions.
Garrett trending towards being good to go
Myeles Garrett, the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, did not play in the Browns’ Week 4 loss against the Falcons after he suffered a shoulder sprain and biceps strain in a car accident last week. Garrett was back on the practice field on Wednesday. He totaled 15 pressures and three sacks in the first three games of the season. Meanwhile, his partner-in-crime, Jadaveon Clowney, remained sidelined from practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury and has missed the last two games.
Other notes
– The Browns have allowed 14 20+ yard passes (t-6th most).
– Cleveland is leading the league in average time of possession (35:38).
– The Browns are sixth in the least amount of pressures allowed (28).
– The Browns are giving up 7.83 yards per play in the fourth quarter (most in NFL).
