Joe's Gameday Preview: Browns at Bears

In the 2009 NFL, there are more teams at the bottom of the scrap heap than I can ever remember. Three (Tampa, Tennessee, St. Louis) are still winless, and another three (Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City) have only managed one victory. It’s not just that these teams are bad; they’ve been downright awful this season. That’s why the Bears should (note I said should) have an easy day this Sunday when they welcome in the Cleveland Browns.  

Unfortunately, the Bears have nothing to be sure about after a 45-10 embarrassment at the hands of Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals. Facing another AFC North opponent, the Bears desperately need a victory to keep pace in the NFC North. A loss to one of the worst teams in football wouldn’t exactly help their league standing either.  

Cleveland comes in with the 31^st ranked offense in the NFL, ahead of only Oakland. They average about 225 total yards per game and only muster about 10 points in those contests. Their win came against the Buffalo Bills, where the Browns scored two field goals to pull ahead of Buffalo’s one, 6-3. Yep, it was thrilling. Chicago’s defense is still ranked 12^th in the league in total yards allowed, despite giving up a pitiful 24 points a game.  

After trading away tight end Kellen Davis in the offseason and receiver Braylon Edwards before the trade deadline, the Browns don’t have a significant downfield threat on offense besides Joshua Cribbs. Their lack of continuity at the quarterback position has stymied their production, since current starter Derek Anderson is not as accurate but has a bigger arm than former starter Brady Quinn. For an offense that supposedly focuses on crisp short passes, Anderson would seem not to fit Eric Mangini's gameplan, but what do I know? He's apparently a genius. (It could also have to do with not paying Quinn $11 million in roster bonuses if he takes 70% of the offensive snaps this season. Just maybe.)

Cleveland’s offensive line has given up 18 sacks, so Tommie Harris and the front four of the Bears must get pressure on whatever QB is in the game. That will allow the line backers to make plays on the running backs and the secondary to make plays on the ball. Hunter Hillenmeyer will be sliding back over to the middle linebacker spot to help their play-calling and Nick Roach will move back to the strong side. Expect to see more Gaines Adams at defensive end and Nathan Vasher filling in at times at the free safety spot.  

Jay Cutler and the offense shouldn’t have much opposition from the Browns. Their dead-last-ranked defense gives up over 400 yards and 25 points a game. If O-Coordinator Ron Turner can’t reach 30 points, it should be considered a bad offensive day. Matt Forte will have no better chance for a break-out game than against Cleveland’s front seven. As much as Turner may love throwing the ball with his new favorite, Matt Forte will have to carry this team to the playoffs.

The only real dangerous aspect of Cleveland’s game is their special teams unit starring return specialist Josh Cribbs. Cribbs is just as dangerous as he ever was, so the Bears just have to practice as if they were kicking to Devin Hester. Angle punts out of bounds, have Brad Maynard kick to the coffin corner, and Gould’s kick-offs must find the endzone for touchbacks. Key special teamer Adrian Peterson is expected to return for the game, so his kick coverage speed along with Garrett Wolfe will be sorely needed.  

If this contest has much drama, Lovie Smith didn’t prepare his team enough. No offense to the Browns, but they’re just horrible. There will be no excuse if the Bears lose to a team this inept. I’m looking forward to a hopefully relaxing Bears game this weekend.  

Have fun watching the game and have a happy and safe Halloween! Oh yeah and Happy Jay Cutler Day!