Quick look: The Browns underwent sweeping changes this offseason, overhauling the front office and hiring Rob Chudzinski as head coach. The quarterback position remains unsettled and that’s the biggest issue facing Chudzinski. Jason Campbell, the backup to Jay Cutler last year, is the third starter to be used after Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer, and he has performed best. The Browns traded away former first-round pick Trent Richardson in Week 3, flipping him to the Colts for a 2014 first-rounder. But the best move they made was keeping wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was rumored to be part of trade talks. Gordon missed the first two games and he has 71 receptions for 1,400 yards with eight touchdowns, amassing 774 yards in the last four games, an NFL record for that span.
Key stat: 15. Different defenders with at least one sack for the Browns. They’re tied for ninth with 37 sacks and rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo leads the team with five. Cleveland has a nice mix of youth and veteran talent in its front seven even if it has struggled to produce statistically.
Key matchup: Bears WR Brandon Marshall vs. Browns CB Joe Haden. Haden isn’t the biggest cornerback at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, but he’s physical and will try to get his hands on Marshall at the line of scrimmage. He’s overly aggressive but has the speed to recover against double moves and he is a sure tackler. Because he’s so good, Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton isn’t afraid to bring pressure. Haden is a good matchup for Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.
Brad Biggs‘ early pick: Bears 31, Browns 27.
