Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Matchups to watch

Jeremy Hill/Giovanni Bernard vs Browns defense 

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals backfield is a duo comprised of power and speed. Jeremy Hill is a down hill power runner who will likely be on the field in early situations. Giovanni Bernard is an elusive back who will be given the ball in a variety of way. Cincinnati will give Bernard the ball and try to get him to the edge where he can use his speed. Bernard will be featured on third downs and has become a true pass catching threat.

Both running backs are elite weapons and the Browns defense needs to be prepared for both running backs. The Browns will need to be careful of which personal packages are on the field when each Hill and Bernard are on the field.

In situations where Hill is on the field, the Browns must commit to stopping the run between the tackles. Stacking the box with seven or eight defenders will give the Browns a chance to stuff Hill. Last season, Hill gashed the Browns defense running for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

Giovanni Bernard will be on the field in passing and third down situations. Bernard will come out of the backfield and be a pass catching threat. The Browns will need to be careful who is guarding Bernard, because he is a match-up nightmare for linebackers. The Browns will need to play some zone coverage to contain Bernard and prevent him from exploiting man coverage with Browns linebackers.

Bernard will also get carries  and that is something the Browns need to watch out for. Bernard is an explosive player and can quickly get to the edge of the defense. One of the Browns biggest problems is stopping the run and this is part because the Browns defense cannot set the edge. The outside linebackers will need to successfully set the edge and prevent Bernard to get to the outside where he can make big plays.