Bears ground game faces uphill challenge against Browns top defense
The Bears essentially gave up trying to run the ball last week against the Lions' eight-man boxes in a 20-10 defeat.
They're likely to see similar tactics by the Browns today, although defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is sure to dial up a few blitzes designed to stymie rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The Browns are No. 1 in average gain allowed per run and No. 7 in rushing yards allowed.
The Bears, who are 11th in the NFL in rushing yards, managed just 43 yards on 15 runs in Detroit, including just 6 carries in the second half.
“They're going to play an eight-man box, put (one) safety in the box, and they're going to take it away,” Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said of the Lions' mindset. “(They're going to say) 'Can you guys win outside one-one? We've got (cornerback Darius) Slay and these other guys. We'll take our chances.' You can beat your head on the wall, or you can be pragmatic and throw the football.”
Last week, Trubisky threw 46 passes for 314 yards, but he was intercepted three times.
Small favors:
The Bears are healthier than they were last year — barely.
The Wednesday addition of linebacker Pernell McPhee and Saturday's addition of safety Chris Prosinski swelled this year's injured reserve list to 16. The 2016 Bears ended the season with 19 on IR.
Among those who made both lists are wide receiver Kevin White, guard Kyle Long and tight end Zach Miller.
“When you look around the league, I don't think we're the lone ranger,” coach John Fox said. “It's a part of football. I think the game has just gotten faster. The injuries are up, I think, around the league.”
The Browns have 10 players on IR. According to Spotrac, the San Francisco 49ers have 21 players on injured reserve, while the New York Giants have 19, Washington has 18, the Houston Texans have 17 and the New Orleans Saints have 15.
Roller-coaster ride:
The Browns made defensive end Myles Garrett the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft, and he was the consensus top pick throughout the league.
“Tremendous player,” Bears coach John Fox said. “Tremendous talent. His skill set, I think most people had him, if not one, then in the top three on their draft boards. You could see that on tape. Our guys will definitely know where he is.”
Garrett missed the first four weeks with a sprained ankle, got 4 sacks in his first three games back but has just 1 sack in his last six games.
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