Chubb, Browns face 'heavyweight' run test against Falcons 9:53 AM ET AP
ATLANTA -- — Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows what to expect from a Cleveland Browns offense that revolves around Nick Chubb's powerful runs.
"They're coming to mash you," Smith said.
Smith wants Atlanta's rushing attack led by Cordarrelle Patterson to mash back.
Chubb, the NFL's leading rusher, and Patterson, who ranks third, will be in the spotlight in what Smith expects to be a "heavyweight fight" of running games on Sunday.
This will be Chubb's first NFL game played in his home state. The Cedartown native previously played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during his college career at Georgia.
Chubb says Cleveland's run-first offense wears down defenses.
"Things start to open up," Chubb said. "I can't really see them getting tired, but at the end of the game things do start opening up a lot easier."
Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett says the Browns' running game is no secret.
"I mean, yeah, teams know we're going to run the ball and we still run the ball," Brissett said.
The Browns (2-1) and Falcons (1-2) are the league's only teams to score at least 26 points in every game.
"Everybody sees the tape; it's going to be a really physical game on Sunday," Smith said. "They're going to try to run Nick Chubb 500 times and we got to stop him, and we're going to try to run the ball and play our game, too."
Brissett has disproved doubters who believed the Browns couldn't win until quarterback Deshaun Watson returns in December from his 11-game suspension for alleged sexual misconduct. Brissett threw two touchdown passes in Cleveland's 29-17 win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 22.
Patterson, formerly a wide receiver and return specialist, has set career rushing highs in two of Atlanta's first three games, including his 141 yards in last week's 27-23 win at Seattle.
The Browns may be without All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett, who suffered a sprained shoulder, strained biceps, cuts and bruises when he flipped his Porsche in a one-car crash on Monday.
MORE THAN A RECEIVER
Second-year Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts made fantasy players happy when he had five catches for 87 yards last week. Pitts had only four catches for 38 yards in the first two games.
Smith said the tight end's value is based on more than his catches, pointing to his contributions in the running game.
"He's really becoming a complete player," Smith said.
OFFENSIVE ROLL
Watson will claim the starting job when he returns in December. Brissett is making a case he should be starting for some team, if not Cleveland.
The 29-year-old Brissett has exceeded expectations, leading the Browns to a pair of wins while completing 74% (43 of 58) of his passes in the past two games. Brissett has developed chemistry with wide receiver Amari Cooper and he's spreading the ball around to make all of Cleveland's playmakers happy.
Brissett believes the Browns' offense can be even better.
"The reasons why we haven't scored on every drive has been us," he said. "It's been things that we haven't (done) and we're still trying to correct."
RUN GAME DEPTH
Chubb has had strong support from backup Kareem Hunt as the Browns lead the NFL in rushing. The Falcons rank fifth with quarterback Marcus Mariota providing help for Patterson.
Mariota and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson are the only quarterbacks with two rushing touchdowns this season.
BUSTED-UP BROWNS
In addition to Garrett, the Browns had four other defensive starters miss practice this week.
End Jadeveon Clowney (ankle), cornerback Denzel Ward (ribs, back), linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (groin) and tackle Taven Bryan (hamstring) were also sidelined.
Browns linebacker and captain Anthony Walker Jr. suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury against Pittsburgh.
With Garrett and Clowney hurting, the Browns may need to rely on some rookies, including end Alex Wright.
THE QUIET MAN
Chubb doesn't have much to say during his weekly media sessions.
"He talks to me," Brissett told reporters. "I just don't think he likes to talk to you guys."
Chubb is loud when it matters — between the tackles and inside the yard makers.
Last week against Pittsburgh, Chubb ran for 113 yards, picking up 86 after initial contact while pin-balling off Steelers defenders, who made the mistake of trying to arm-tackle him.
Chubb has always had an effective stiff-arm, but he appears to be quicker and more elusive this season while relying on more jump cuts as he picks his way through holes.
In the fourth quarter against the Steelers when the Browns got three consecutive three and outs.
You could see the Steeler front four start jawing at each other as they were getting gashed by the Browns.
They did not want to line up again and have our OL and then Chubb come at them. The way we run the wide zone blocking scheme. It wears on defensive lines. It requires more than just head on beat your man. They have to try and seal multiple gaps.
Chubb gets the ball and has options he keys off of. They put on a clinic against the Steelers.
It was so cool to see Cooper on one guy just school the guy. But it happened because of the pounding they dished out.
I'm not sure really what to expect on Sunday, But I have watched a lot of Atlanta this year.
Mariota- I always loved this guy, but he really tears up his body by always absorbing hits or lowering his shoulder into contact...Which leads to injuries and has a higher fumbling issue then I would assume most QBs. He can move fast (I think 4.48 speed coming into the NFL) Which is scary with out Dline comprised of all back-ups if Myles is out (I have a feeling Clowney won't play) a banged up 2nd level at LB (Walker out, JOK won't be 100 percent if he suits up) Coupled with a secondary that has had issues tackling and big miscommunication errors...I will not be surprised if Mariota scrambles right up the middle for an easy QB, as we leave it wide open.
His interceptions haven't been bad at all (Watch the two he threw in week 2, both went into the WRs hands...and right into a defender after...The other interception he tossed last week, was with 2 seconds left before halftime...which was a dumb play to begin with, as they should have taken a knee that deep...as it was at their own 25 yard line...and he doesnt have the arm for a hail mary that deep)
He doesn't have amazing arm strength, his accuracy wonders at times...However, he seems to be really comfortable in Arthur Smiths offense...A lot of quick plays and reads. He has basically only a rookie WR in Drake London (who reminds me of a bigger Crabtree) Kyle Pitts and him finally got on the same page last week, And Zacchearus...whom isn't great by any means. The WR/TE core is really weak. Patterson has been really showing up this year, and hes always been dangerous as a returner, WR, and his RB duties nowadays...But they have literally nothing behind him. Remember their best WR (Ridley) is suspended all year.
Oline has some talent with Jake Matthews and Lindstorm...McGary is a solid RT, however slow footed (Would have loved Clowney or Myles over him) I thought Hennessey would have won the C spot, but they have the kid from Stanford starting over him.
If I'm Atlanta I'm putting AJ Terrell on Amari, and shadow coverage on him and Njoku...Thus making Brissett rely on DPJ, Bell, Schwartz....Which doesn't really favor us. Their defense is more quick than stout....They are missing their best LB (Deion Jones) But they have stars with Grady Jarrett and Terrell...Carter seems to be a good fit in their odd front, safety talent is lacking. Isiah Oliver is on IR...And the young LBs have been missing gaps, and why I love Rashaan Evans at LB, he runs so cold at times.
Should be a fun game...and hopefully not a let down.
From the little Ive seen, their offense is really explosive and they’ll put up points
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Well done, Tru! Gives me stuff to look for. We need to put the grind on the Birds. But this game will demand some aggression from Woods methinks. If we lay back in lazy zone with huge cushions, we can be had. Hope we put up points; I certainly expect them to do so.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
Well done, Tru! Gives me stuff to look for. We need to put the grind on the Birds. But this game will demand some aggression from Woods methinks. If we lay back in lazy zone with huge cushions, we can be had. Hope we put up points; I certainly expect them to do so.
Depending on the final injury report Woods may not have the ammunition to be aggressive. You can only run the game plan you have the talent to execute.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
If we were healthy on D I would give us a very good chance at winning this game. Things being as they are it's a toss-up and we need this game badly. JMO
• Per FootballOutsiders.com DVOA rankings, the Browns are No. 2 in rush offense and No. 6 in pass offense. They’re No. 26 in rush defense and No. 21 in pass defense. I think you have to wait at least six weeks before you can really get a fair read on league-wide rankings of almost any kind, but DVOA rankings are weighted for opponent and situation.
• The Falcons’ DVOA rankings: No. 8 in rush offense, No. 9 in pass offense, No. 24 in rush defense, No. 27 in pass defense. Anyone else thinking Sunday could turn into a shootout? Or, more likely, another big day for the Browns’ run game led by Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt?
Exactly. Both teams have looked great offensively. They don’t have the stable of backs we do, but they have dynamic playmakers
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
Don't be surprised if the Falcons run outside the edges With Isiah Thomas and Alex Wright starting at DE. Both DEs are not exactly known for being run stoppers Or setting the edge. The DTs are going to have to really push the pocket Make Mariotta bring the ball and get uncomfortable
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
I dont understand why people are so quick to defend Baker Mayfield when he is criticized or make the brunt Of funny quips or comments. It's like it is supposed to be Immune from such remarks
As great as Chub is. Got to give credit to the Oline and Oline coach. He gets yards after contact because he often has a full head of steam before someone gets the opportunity to get a hand on him. Our guards kick butt.
As great as Chub is. Got to give credit to the Oline and Oline coach. He gets yards after contact because he often has a full head of steam before someone gets the opportunity to get a hand on him. Our guards kick butt.
Steelers players/coach all talked about him: "Arm tackles don't work." "He gets stronger as the game goes on."
You're right. 24 is dictating to the D because he was set up well by the action in the trenches. If there is a bigass gaping hole, he'll hit it; if he needs a jump cut to get to level 2, it's almost always there.
It's a great blocking scheme, and we have the dudes to pull it off.
Finally, the Cleveland Browns have a O-Line worth of protecting Tim Couch. (Does Tim Couch now have his walker/hoveround years before he's eligible for his Golden Buckeye card?)
But i dont think a trap game could be defined as one where it’s basically a pickem game. Atlanta is a good offensive team. The best we’ll have seen by far IMO
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Could be, very easily. Hope the coaching staff has the team grounded, focused, and ready to execute.
Biggest game of this young season.
It is.
Not because of the specific game, but rather due to where we are.
This game is a game where we start to separate away from a level record or fall back to a level record. This is the game that starts to push us above .500, and all good teams play above .500. The sooner in the season you can do that, the better the chances you remain there and even build from there.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
With the injuries and with MG out - I'm expecting to see a high scoring game. Getting points and not punting on as many drives as possible will be more critical than normal.
With more time to throw for their QB, it's going to be uber important the secondary is on the same page. Blown coverages and chunk plays will really hurt.
Njoku might need to have his best game of the year, and someone else needs to help out Cooper. As it stands ATL should double Cooper every play, certainly key a man underneath to take away short completions to him.
Ultimately it may come down to just how good Stefanski's offense is - we've all seen him start games consistently with brilliant play calls. Only to stall in the second half if the other team adjusts or we need to make changes to keep up in high scoring games. We'll probably need to keep scoring TD's in the 3rd and 4th Q. As great as our run game is - and as weak as the ATL D appears to be against the run (4.8 yards per carry) - I think it's going to take the whole O to win today.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
Could be, very easily. Hope the coaching staff has the team grounded, focused, and ready to execute.
Biggest game of this young season.
It is.
Not because of the specific game, but rather due to where we are.
This game is a game where we start to separate away from a level record or fall back to a level record. This is the game that starts to push us above .500, and all good teams play above .500. The sooner in the season you can do that, the better the chances you remain there and even build from there.
The key to winning this game is running the ball, controlling the clock and keeping Atlanta's offense off the field as much as possible. I expect Pitts to have a big day for them, but I expect Chubb and Hunt to have a big day for us also. Look for a high scoring game with the Browns winning another close one.
With the injuries and with MG out - I'm expecting to see a high scoring game. Getting points and not punting on as many drives as possible will be more critical than normal.
With more time to throw for their QB, it's going to be uber important the secondary is on the same page. Blown coverages and chunk plays will really hurt.
While I agree that's what we'll hope to see, one has to understand that DB's can only contain for so long. They can't continue to cover forever. So finding ways to pressure Mariota will be key. If you give any decent QB a consistent 3+ seconds in the pocket you're going to get burned.
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Njoku might need to have his best game of the year, and someone else needs to help out Cooper. As it stands ATL should double Cooper every play, certainly key a man underneath to take away short completions to him.
But that's the thing about having a balanced O. The more men you have in coverage the less men you have up front to stop the run. If you can get them to keep four or five men in coverage Chubb with this OL will control the clock and run the ball down their throat all day.
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Ultimately it may come down to just how good Stefanski's offense is - we've all seen him start games consistently with brilliant play calls. Only to stall in the second half if the other team adjusts or we need to make changes to keep up in high scoring games. We'll probably need to keep scoring TD's in the 3rd and 4th Q. As great as our run game is - and as weak as the ATL D appears to be against the run (4.8 yards per carry) - I think it's going to take the whole O to win today.
I think we've seen "the whole O" this entire season. They have put up 26, 30 and 29 points respectively. Brissett certainly hasn't had much production with the deep ball but has been very efficient with the passing game and all of those scores should lead your team to a win.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Could be, very easily. Hope the coaching staff has the team grounded, focused, and ready to execute.
Biggest game of this young season.
It is.
Not because of the specific game, but rather due to where we are.
This game is a game where we start to separate away from a level record or fall back to a level record. This is the game that starts to push us above .500, and all good teams play above .500. The sooner in the season you can do that, the better the chances you remain there and even build from there.
Reminder, the Browns were 3-1 last year.
No reminder needed, and really, last year doesn't mean anything when talking about this year. To me, 1 game over 500 is still tied to 500. Once we get 2 over we separate from 500.
No doubt if we win this week, we still want to go another game up.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
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