Browns vs. Bears: Postgame Observations
Inside the friendly confines of a sloppy and wet Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Browns rallied late against the Bears, scoring 13 fourth quarter points to earn a 20-17 win and improve to 9-5 on the season.
It took another resilient effort from the banged up Browns, who lost two more players in the process in All-Pro guard, Joel Bitonio and backup CB Mike Ford Jr. in the first quarter. But other players rose to the occasion and helped Cleveland inch one step closer to a playoff berth.
Here are some Browns, Bears postgame observations:
1) Dalvin "Feast'n" Tomlinson
If you heard the name Dalvin Tomlinson frequently on the broadcast, it's because he had himself a day on Sunday. On the Bears first drive of the game, Tomlinson set the tone for the game by blowing up D'Onta Foreman in the backfield for a loss of three. He'd go on to rack up six total tackles, two tackled for loss and two QB hits. In a week defined by defensive injuries, particularly on the defensive line, Tomlinson delivering a dominant performance was a needed boost.
2) What's the Difference?
With recently extended safety Grant Delpit on the shelf for the rest of the regular season, his fill in, D'Anthony Bell filled in magnificently. It almost felt Delpit was still out there as he flew up time-after-time to make stops in the run game. On the first series following the Browns first score, he flew up to tackle Justing Fields on an around the edge designed run play that ultimately forced a punt.
3) Flacco Fever
Just when it looked like the Bears had found a cure for Flacco Fever, the 38-year-old turned it up to another level. Through three quarters, he was 17-of-31 for 162 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. In the fourth quarter alone, he completed all but two passes (11-13) threw for 212 yards, a second touchdown to lead the Browns to victory. The man is slowly becoming living legend in this city. If he can secure a trip to the playoffs Flacco Fever will reach a fever pitch.
4) Break'n A Sweat
Bears' pass rusher Montez Sweat was a problem for the Browns' makeshift offensive line. Cleveland watched Joel Bitonio leave in the first quarter with a back injury, never to return and it became evident almost immediately that protecting Flacco was going to be a problem. James Hudson got "o'layed" by Sweat a few times. It wasn't just sweat though, as Geron Christian was put on skates a number of times on the opposite side of the O-line. The Bears got penetration inside outside, from everywhere really and Sweat finished with seven tackles and 2.5 sacks. It may be time to hit the panic button in regards to the O-line. That group is down to the studs right now.
5) Pitching a Shutout
On a day where the Browns defense was already short-handed due to injuries and LB Anthony Walker Jr. was ruled out they came through when it mattered most. They held the Bears to just three points in the second half and 114 yards. Over the course of the entire game they allowed only four third down conversions. Truthfully, the two touchdowns weren't even really the fault of the defense as they came directly on or after two of Flacco's interceptions. No injuries, no rain, no number of giveaways by the offense can stop this group from finding a way to win.
6) Njoku Comes Through
The Browns have to take the good with the bad when it comes to Njoku. There's games where he drops some important throws and and costs the Brows dearly. But there's games where he does what he did today: 10 catches, 104 yards, a touchdown. Two clutch receptions on the eventual game winning drive of the game, including a 34-yarder to help get the Browns in FG range. What a day for the former first-round pick.
7) One Step Closer
With a win over the Bears, Cleveland sits at 9-5 and retain its spot as the five seed in the AFC – granted that would have been the case even if they lost. But a win Sunday sets the stage for the Browns to be well positioned as a near lock for the playoffs with just one more win. A massive, AFC matchup with the Houston Texans -- who improved to 8-6 today – awaits in Week 16.
8) The Win That Nearly Wasn't
It have felt like an eternity for Browns fans watching Justin Fields lob a last second heave to the end zone to try and win the game. It nearly wound up on a long list of franchise flubs, as the ball was knocked down into the waiting lap of Darnell Mooney, who juggled it twice, then kicked it into the air for Bell to swoop in and intercept it. Those types of moments don't usually go the Browns way, but this team is different.
