If Ben Johnson’s Chicago Bears have proven one thing above all else at this late juncture of the regular season, particularly on offense, it is that they know how to run the football. If they want to notch a victory against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, that could be their best bet.
The Bears’ passing game is not quite where they want it to be, despite quarterback Caleb Williams boasting late-game heroics. Running the ball takes pressure off him.
Moreover, it is invariably the best way to attack the Browns.
Bears’ Best Offensive Game Plan Against Browns Clear
Bears RBs Should Get Plenty of Work
The Bears rank fifth overall offensively, and they are eighth in scoring. However, whereas the Bears boast the league’s No. 2 rushing attack, their passing game ranks 14th.
That is undoubtedly daunting, with the Browns ranking No. 1 against the pass
It helps that they have the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett, who is 2.5 sacks away from tying the NFL single-season sack record, set by Hall of Famer Michael Strahan with the New York Giants in 2001.
However, the Browns have also allowed the 12th-lowest completion percentage to opposing QBs this season.
Rather than fight an uphill battle in the frigid cold, the Bears can take the fight to the Browns.
Much like they did in the second-half against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14, being more effective in the run game will soften up a stout pass defense. That is especially true when a matchup, at least on paper, dictates that one area be exploited over another.
That is not to say that the Bears should abandon or even pare down their passing attack. It was essential to their win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13. Williams made critical throws during their rally against the Packers, too.
Running could keep the Bears in manageable situations for Williams and the passing game.
Bears Want to Start Faster
Johnson spoke about asking Williams to connect on difficult deep passes early in games and how it can hinder early success. Williams compared finding an early rhythm to a basketball player seeing their first shot go in.
To that end, the quick passing game can very much be an extension of the run game. Bears running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have proven themselves as pass-catchers.
Ball control also keeps a Browns offense capable of exploiting a leaky Bears defense sidelined.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen noted Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ playmaking ability. Sanders was in the discussion to be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft before last season began.
The Bears certainly do not want to give the Browns’ defense unnecessary opportunities to take the ball away and set Sanders and Co. up with short fields.
Williams has done well to protect the ball on his own.
Johnson, the Bears’ offensive playcaller, can do his young QB a big favor by taking some of the early responsibility off of him and riding what has become a dynamic rushing attack featuring Monangai, Swift, and, at times, Williams.