Browns vs. Bears preview: Who has the advantage in Week 3?

As the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears are set to square off in Week 3 of the NFL season, we are reminded that matchups can make games interesting even if there is a talent disparity. With Browns Vs. Bears, there is a talent disparity as the home team clearly has better talent than the visitors.

The matchup, however, could create a more interesting game. The Bears offense has used short passes and a consistent run game as their staple. The Browns defense has allowed their first two opponents to complete a lot of short passes and often seems to invite run plays.

That combination could keep the game much closer than many think. Then again, the Browns lost in Week 1 and struggled in the first half of Week 2. Perhaps they are motivated to put on a show in Week 3.

In our weekly preview series, Alyssa Barbieri from Bears Wire joins Jared Mueller from Browns Wire went deep into the matchup to determine who has the advantage at the five key factors for winning football games in the NFL.

Quarterback Play

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Browns Wire - At a very base level, Baker Mayfield has been elite through two weeks of the 2021 NFL season. While that is a very small sample size, Mayfield's play in the second half of the 2020 season was also high level. His ball placement has been excellent leading to completing 81.6% of his passes despite pushing the ball downfield regularly. His two interceptions have explanations that make them easily understandable. Using a variety of weapons since Odell Beckham J.r was injured, Mayfield gets his best weapon back in Week 3 against Chicago. Bears Wire - With Andy Dalton considered week-to-week with a bone bruise on his knee, it’ll be the rookie Justin Fields who will make his first NFL start against the Browns. While Fields had his share of rookie mistakes stepping in for an injured Dalton midway through last week’s game, Fields should benefit from a full week of preparing as a starter and with a game plan suited for his skillset. Fields has the ability to make something out of nothing, and his mobility will certainly put the Browns defense on notice. But it’s also Fields’ first NFL start, where we can also expect to see growing pains. Advantage - Browns

Line of Scrimmage

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Browns Wire - For the Browns, the line of scrimmage is a tale of opposites. Their offensive line is one of the best in the game. Through two games, Cleveland's line is the only one graded in the top three, according to Pro Football Focus. There are injury concerns across the line, except for Wyatt Teller, that could create some limitations this week against the good Bears defensive line. The Browns defensive line is full of big names that are talented but haven't produced early in the season. Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, Takk McKinley and Malik Jackson form a foundation on the line but they haven't produced enough pressure on the quarterback or enough push in the run game. Bears Wire - The Bears defensive line remains a strength of their team, and they’ll need a strong outing against the Browns if they’re looking to upset Cleveland. Chicago’s defensive line should be getting back a key defensive lineman, rotational lineman Mario Edwards Jr., who was serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman will miss the game. The Bears offensive line remains a big question mark, especially given the importance of protecting Fields in his first start and opening up holes for running back David Montgomery, which would also help take pressure off Fields. Advantage - Push

Turnovers

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Browns Wire - Mayfield's first interception came late in Week 1 when a defender grabbed his foot as he was throwing away the ball while his Week 2 interception happened when his rookie receiver stopped on a route. Nick Chubb rarely fumbles but lost one already this year. The defense, playing mostly zone to try to create turnovers, has not been able to do so. Malcolm Smith had a diving interception last week but that is the lone turnover that side of the ball has forced. Bears Wire - The Bears have a turnover differential of +1, which is encouraging considering where they started in Week 1. Chicago’s defense forced four turnovers against the Bengals last week, including three straight interceptions thrown by Joe Burrow and a fumble recovery. Last week, Fields had a costly interception that kept Cincinnati in the game. He also had a fumble, which he recovered, but Fields is going to have to take a better job at taking care of the football – as is the entire team – if they hope to keep up with the Browns. Advantage - Bears

Situational

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Browns Wire - As true in the other areas, the Browns offense has been good in most situational football while the defense has struggled greatly. While the offense has only converted 38% of their third-down attempts, they have converted three of their four fourth-down attempts. They are also converting in the red zone at a high clip (six of seven red-zone trips ending with a touchdown) primarily with a great rushing attack. On the other side of the ball, opponents are converting on 63% of their third downs and have scored five touchdowns on seven red zone attempts. The defense has struggled to make plays in the big moments. Bears Wire - Despite the opening drive of the game, where Chicago scored on their first possession, the Bears offense struggled against the Bengals, which had some to do with timing issues and miscommunication with Fields getting in the game. After all, he didn’t get reps with the starters during training camp or preseason. The Bears converted 6-of-11 third downs (40%), and they went 0-for-1 on fourth down conversions. There were some red-zone struggles, unlike last week when they scored two touchdowns in the red zone. Chicago’s only offensive touchdown was an 11-yard touchdown from Andy Dalton to Allen Robinson. The Bears need to focus on sustaining drives, red-zone efficiency and scoring more points if they hope to pull off the upset. Advantage - Browns

Injuries

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Browns Wire - Cleveland has had a number of important injuries early this season. Besides the banged-up offensive line, who should all play, the team will be without starting receiver Jarvis Landry and linebacker Anthony Walker. Walker was the team's defensive play-caller prior to the injury. Sione Takitaki, the team's starting strong-side linebacker, will also miss the game while the team's top backup offensive lineman, Chris Hubbard, will also be out for the game. Beckham returns from injury but will likely be on a limited snap count. Grant Delpit made his NFL debut last week and could, like Beckham, could continue to be limited in Week 3. Bears Wire - The Bears could be without two key defensive starters against the Browns as safety Tashaun Gipson (hamstring) is doubtful after suffering a hamstring injury during practice this week. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who missed the previous two games, has been ruled out with a knee injury. Dalton has already been declared out of Sunday’s game, which paves the way for Fields to make his first NFL start. There are a handful of players questionable, including defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, but they’re all expected to suit up Sunday against the Browns. Advantage - Push

Verdict: Advantage Browns

While many of the categories could be argued, except for quarterback play, the Browns end up with the advantage, agreed upon by both wire sites. Given Cleveland's talent and coaching advantage, it is clear the home team should control the game. It will be interesting how the Bears dink and dump offense and the Browns defense's propensity for giving up those plays matchup in Week 3. Cleveland's strength being on offense while Chicago's strength being their defense could make it interesting but the home team's firepower should make the difference.

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