Bears’ Defense Dominates Browns in DVOA Catastrophe
The Cleveland Browns entered Soldier Field desperate for redemption after a disheartening defeat against the struggling Tennessee Titans. With their record sitting at a disappointing 1-11, the Browns hoped to turn things around against the formidable Chicago Bears, who boasted an impressive 9-4 record and a 5-1 streak in their last six games.
A Fiery Start for Chicago
From the outset, the Bears showcased their dominance. They quickly surged ahead, building a two-touchdown lead that set the tone for the game. Cleveland’s struggles were exacerbated by a series of turnovers, with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders throwing three interceptions. The final score reflected a lopsided contest, ending at 31-3 in favor of Chicago.
However, the loss was more than just a scoreline; it marked one of the most significant defeats in recent NFL history. According to Aaron Schatz, the Browns’ performance ranked as the 11th-worst loss since 1978 when evaluated through DVOA, or Defense-adjusted Value Over Average. This advanced metric assesses how successful each play is while considering the context in which it occurs. The Browns posted a total DVOA of -130.3% for the game, with the offense contributing a staggering -109.5%.
Pressure Mounting on Sanders
Sanders faced relentless pressure throughout the game, getting pressured on 52.4% of his 42 dropbacks. This relentless assault from the Bears culminated in five sacks, a testament to Chicago’s defensive prowess. The Bears recorded 22 pressures, their highest total since Week 15 of 2020—a clear indication of Cleveland’s struggles on the offensive line.
The situation was compounded by the absence of key starters. Cleveland was missing four offensive linemen, including Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin on the right side and Ethan Pocic at center. On the left side, tackle positions were shuffled, and left guard Joel Bitonio played through injury. This disarray left Sanders vulnerable and unable to establish any rhythm.
A Struggling Ground Game
Cleveland’s rushing attack faltered as well, with Quinshon Judkins managing only 21 yards on 12 carries, an anemic average of 1.8 yards per attempt. Remarkably, this marked Judkins’ lowest rushing performance of the season, as he failed to break off a run longer than 10 yards for just the second time this year. His -13 rushing yards over expected were also indicative of the struggles facing the ground game.
In an ironic twist, it was Sanders who emerged as the team’s leading rusher, with 24 yards on just two carries. This underscores the dire state of the Browns’ offense, as they seek to find a spark amidst their struggles.
Future Considerations for the Browns
As the dust settles on this disastrous outing, the path forward for Browns general manager Andrew Berry and his front office becomes increasingly clear. Significant improvements to the offensive line must be a priority, along with a critical evaluation of the quarterback position before the season concludes.
While Sanders’ performance may not have been encouraging, it’s essential to consider the context of a beleaguered offensive line and a struggling run game. The Browns face a pivotal offseason ahead, as they look to rebuild and recover from this season’s disappointments.
