Cleveland Browns blueprint to beating the Chicago Bears in week 3

Cleveland Browns Blueprint No. 3: Establish the run game

This one sounds like a no-brainer because the Kevin Stefanski offense is so run-centric as it is. However, the Bears will have an extremely stout run defense, so establishing Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt early will be important.

You may not see the 10-15-yard chunks early in the game, but it will be important to at least keep the Bears defense honest. Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack are not only dominant pass rushers, but they are also elite run defenders.

The biggest disappointment for the offense (other than the turnovers) last week was their lack of running game in the first half. There were a lot of 0-yard gains and even negative running plays on first down that left the Browns in second and long situations, which this offense just isn’t designed to be successful in.

Another part of the run game that’s just as important is the screen game. There’s no better friend to the quarterback than a good run and screen game for a multitude of reasons, but the biggest is it slows down the pass rush.

Look for Stefanski to have a few tricks up his sleeve as well. Nothing crazy, but a jet sweep to Odell Beckham or a few different screenplay looks. Not only could you catch the Bears over pursuing, it just keeps them on their heels that much more. Even if you lose a few yards on a couple of plays, you must keep them honest.