CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The 2-6 Cleveland Browns look to put back-to-back victories together for the first time this season against the 4-3 Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9.
Here’s what we are watching for.
Stay alive – Following last week’s win over the Ravens, the Browns believe they’re a win streak away from getting back in the playoff race which means they are in must win mode for the rest of the season if they are to have hope.
Win with Winston – Jameis Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win over the Ravens to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The 334 yards was the most passing yardage by a Browns starting quarterback making his debut since 1999, besting 38 other starters.
More Chubb – Nick Chubb seems to be warming up. Making his third start Sunday since returning from injured reserve, Chubb looks to build off a 52-yard effort that saw him burst for 15 yards on a run. It feels like Chubb is primed and ready to break a big one.
Big play boom – Although the Browns have yet to have a play go for 40 or more yards this season, they had five plays go for over 20 last week, including the game-winning 38-yard touchdown with a minute to play to Cedric Tillman, which is the longest play of the season and the most explosive plays the Browns have had in a game this season. Conversely, the defense has surrendered 38 explosives with 14 of those going for 30 or more yards.
Sack drought – Myles Garrett hasn’t recorded a sack in the last four games as he remains stuck on 4.0 for the season. Garrett has seven tackles-for-loss, which defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz considers to be as equally important.
Contain the cannon – Browns defenders were very complimentary of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert by saying that Herbert has the “best arm talent” of any quarterback they have faced this season. Herbert has thrown for 1,443 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception.
Points at a premium – The Chargers defense, led by Khalil Mack, who has 3.5 sacks, seven QB hits, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, and Joey Bosa, who has 2.0 sacks, three QB hits, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble, come to town allowing an NFL-best 13.0 points per game this season. The Browns are 1-6 in games in which they score less than 18 points and 1-4 in games they allow 21 or fewer points.
Saturday moves – The Browns placed Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on injured reserve after the linebacker suffered a neck injury last week against Baltimore. Mohamoud Diabate likely takes his place in the starting lineup. Cornerback Denzel Ward cleared concussion protocol Saturday after suffering his sixth known concussion in the NFL last Sunday and will play against the Chargers.
Last Time – October 9, 2022: Chargers 30, Browns 28
Series – Chargers lead all-time 19-9-1
Last week – Chargers ; Browns beat the Ravens 29-24
How they compare – Here’s a look at how the two teams match up statistically.
Points scored: Chargers 18.86, Browns 17.25
Yards: Chargers 311.1, Browns 272.3
Rushing: Chargers 117.1, Browns 92.5
Passing: Chargers 194.0, Browns 179.8
Points allowed: Chargers 13.0, Browns 23.3
Yards allowed: Chargers 305.4, Browns 326.5
Rushing yards allowed: Chargers 112.0, Browns 125.9
Passing yards allowed: Chargers 193.4, Browns 200.6
Turnover ratio: Chargers +6, Browns -4
Probable Starters – Offense: WR Jerry Jeudy, LT Dawand Jones., LG Joel Bitonio, C Ethan Pocic, RG Wyatt Teller, RT Jack Conklin, TE David Njoku, QB Jameis Winston, RB Nick Chubb, TE Jordan Akins, WR Cedric Tillman
Defense: DE Myles Garrett, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Shelby Harris, DE Za’Darius Smith, LB Mohamoud Diabate, LB Devin Bush, CB Denzel Ward, CB Greg Newsome II, CB MJ Emerson, S Juan Thornhill, S Rodney McLeod
Injury report – OUT: LB Jordan Hicks (elbow, triceps); QUESTIONABLE: LB Khaleke Hudson (ankle);
Uniforms – Brown jersey, orange pants, orange helmet
Broadcast – 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX and the University Hospitals radio network; WOIO TV-19 (WOIO)
Kickoff – 1:03 p.m. Huntington Bank Field; Cleveland, Ohio
Our prediction – Browns 24, Chargers 20
