Dawgs By Nature
Blues singer Robert Johnson famously sang about his “Sweet Home Chicago,” but it would be understandable if the Cleveland Browns do not share that feeling.
On Sunday against the Chicago Bears, the Browns continued their 56-year run of futility in the Windy City by dropping a 31-3 decision that was never, for even a moment, in doubt.
Typical of a mid-December game for the Browns, there are not many good moments to take from today, although the offense learned a very important lesson – going up against a good defense is far different than taking on the likes of the Las Vegas Raiders or the Tennessee Titans.
But, as the headline promises, we have to pick some winners and losers from a long afternoon at Soldier Field, so let’s dive in by handing out some holiday-themed peppermint mocha brownies.
DE Myles Garrett: Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett continued his quest to claim the single-season record for sacks by notching 1.5 sacks of Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams. It was actually two sacks until the NFL decided to step in and credit defensive tackle Shelby Harris with a half-sack, so Garrett finished the day with 21.5 sacks on the season, just one away from tying the record co-held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
Maybe the NFL just wanted to give the home fans something to look forward to next week, as Garrett will try to break the record against the Buffalo Bills.
WR Isaiah Bond: Cleveland’s rookie wide receiver was really the only bright spot on offense as Bond had two receptions for a game-high 89 yards. The rookie only has 16 receptions on the season, but has flashed some big-play ability as he is averaging a team-high 18 yards per catch.
K Andre Szmyt: was perfect on his lone kick of the day, converting a 50-yard field goal to give Cleveland its only points on the day. After a rough start to the season, Szmyt has not missed a field goal since Week 8 and is up to 86 percent on the season. (We told you it was going to be ugly on offense!)
Another slow start: The first offensive drive of the game for the Browns was an ugly one, which saw them start on their one-yard line, run five plays that included two penalties, and call on Corey Bojorquez for the first of his seven punts on the game. The Browns have now gone six consecutive games without scoring a touchdown on the opening drive of the game.
Nothing special again: Cleveland’s special teams wasted no time in putting on their latest bit of slapstick as they allowed Chicago’s Devin Duvernay to return the opening kickoff 52 yards. Duvernay then returned Bojorquez’s first punt 18 yards to the Cleveland 42-yard line, meaning the Bears started their first two offensive drives in Cleveland territory.
O-Line woes continue: Everything related to the offense does need the added context of the Browns playing with an offensive...
