The Chargers are on the road to face the Browns on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 11:00 a.m. PT.
To get you prepped for the Week 9 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
How things are going…
The Browns are 2-6 on the season. Cleveland is coming off a 29-24 win over the Ravens. Before that, they had lost five straight games.
Jameis provides a spark
Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, and Winston got the start in Week 8 against the Ravens. The veteran journeyman stepped up in a big way, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. His performance was a much-needed boost for a struggling offense. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Winston will continue to start at quarterback.
Stalled on the ground
The Browns’ rushing offense hasn’t been anything to write home about. Nick Chubb, who suffered a gruesome injury last season, is back in the fold. Slowly working his way back, Chubb has carried the ball 27 times for 74 yards and a touchdown in his two games. Overall, Cleveland is 27th in rushing, averaging only 92.5 yards per carry.
Middle-of-the-pack defense
The Browns rank 18th in points allowed (23.3 ppg), 12th against the pass (200.6 yards per game) and 18th against the run (125.9 ypg). Cleveland could be without a couple of defensive starters. Cornerback Denzel Ward is in concussion protocol. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is out with a neck injury. Jordan Hicks has been out the last three of four contests with an elbow/triceps injury.
Look out for…
Edge rushers Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt have been lights out this season, and they must continue to play at a high level against two premier pass rushers. Garrett and Smith have 36 and 24 quarterback pressures, respectively.