Cleveland Browns: 3 matchups to watch vs the 49ers
By Joel W. Cade
George Kittle vs. Joe “The Show” Schobert
In recent years, the Browns have been awful covering tight ends. It has been a running joke amongst fans about how bad this has been. Teams have literally beaten the Browns in years past by using tight ends as their primary weapon.
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
The 49ers under the guidance of Shanahan use the tight end as a primary weapon in the offense. When Shanahan was with the Browns, it was the tight ends who made most of the big plays. It is no different in San Francisco.
The 49ers possess a very good tight end in George Kittle. Pro Football Focus grades Kittle (subscription required) out in 92.7. This makes him the highest-graded player on the 49ers offense. He blocks and catches passes.
For the Browns to stop Kittle, it will take a momentous effort by Joe Schobert. It has been Schobert who has carried the coverage load for the Browns this season. And with good reason, Schobert has been excellent in coverage.
Schobert has been up to the challenge this season. He has covered very well. He has also played excellent against the run. He is quickly developing into one of the league’s best middle linebackers. In fact, Schobert has been making an extremely strong case for the Browns to give him a new contract.
Advantage: Joe Schobert and the Browns.
Schobert can shut down Kittle man to man. It will be in zone situations that should make this battle interesting.