In this week’s Data Dump, we look at how well the Browns are progressing as the regular season starts to end and teams prepare for the playoffs. The Browns’ last-second victory over the Chicago Bears has nearly guaranteed them a spot in the AFC playoffs. The team must prepare their struggling offense for a playoff run against some of the top offenses in the NFL.
The Browns’ offense had a miserable showing against the Bears for the first three-quarters. They could not run or pass the ball against a resurging but average Bears’ defense. The advanced analytics will not be kind to the Browns’ offense this week. Although, after throwing over 130 passes in the past three weeks, Flacco should have a large enough sample size to include in charts on quarterback play. Although, throwing three interceptions, including a pick-six won’t help his EPA.
The Browns defense remains dominant. They nearly shut out the Chicago Bears, ending most of their drives in three and outs. The defense is playoff-ready, and the unit will face off against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The defense proved their tenacity and determination for nearly the entire season. The stats reflect it. The unit needs to finish the season strong as the team will go as far as they take them.
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