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Predictions for the Cleveland Browns Monday night game against San Francisco

By Randy Gurzi

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 29: Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 29: Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Tavierre Thomas #20 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Tavierre Thomas #20 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Writer: Joel Cade

Game: Cleveland Browns (2-2) at San Francisco 49ers (3-0)

Summary: The Browns offensive line faces a huge challenge this week in a very good defensive line. The 49ers boast at least 3 top ten picks along their defensive line. All that talent has allowed them to rush 4 and drop 7 into zone.

One of the main keys to the passing game this week will be the offensive line blocking well enough that it forces the 49ers defense to bring extra rushers on passing downs. If they can drop 7 all day, it will be a long road for the passing game. On the flip side, the Browns are getting Antonio Callaway and Jarvis Landry back this week. Look for a heavy dosage of screens to slow down the pass rush.

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For however good the 49ers defensive line has been, teams have still been able to run the football on them. A good dosage of Nick Chubb this week should be in order. Using the run to set up the pass may be the best game plan available. Look for Nick Chubb to have a lot of carries. It will be up to the offensive line if those carries will mean anything.

Defensively the Browns must be disciplined. The 49ers run a series offense. That means they show one look out of the offensive line then run multiple different plays off of it. It is a style of offensive popularized by the old Wing-T. The 49ers primarily use an outside zone scheme then run power, reverses and an inside pitch off the offensive line action. It is very deceptive looking to capitalize off a defenses lack of discipline.

The 49ers passing game works off the same offensive line action as well. They use play-action to suck up linebackers to hit crossers over their heads. This is a very effective strategy. But this means the passing game is primarily based on deception and trickery. Thus, the real goal for the Browns will be to stop the run while staying disciplined in the process. Discipline will be key. But these are professional football players who have already seen this scheme.

Jimmy Garoppolo does not play well enough to carry this team. Like many games in the NFL, this one will come down to line play.

Prediction: Cleveland 31, San Francisco 24

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