Tag: chargers browns

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Browns stack up before Week 9 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Browns stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Browns are set to square off this upcoming Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Cleveland stack up statistically ahead of the Week 9 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Browns
Points per game 18.9 ppg (24th) 17.3 ppg (27th)
Passing offense 194.0 ypg (24th) 179.8 ypg (29th)
Rushing offense 117.1 ypg (20th) 92.5 ypg (27th)
Total offense 311.1 ypg (23rd) 272.3 ypg (31st)
3rd down conversions 40.40% (9th) 27.68% (32nd)
Red zone scoring 43.75% (30th) 61.54% (9th)
Sacks allowed 18 (14th) 37 (32nd)
Turnovers 4 (3rd) 9 (18th)

Defense

Category Chargers Browns
Points allowed 13.0 ppg (1st) 23.3 ppg (18th)
Passing defense 193.4 ypg (9th) 200.6 ypg (12th)
Rushing defense 112.0 ypg (11th) 125.9 ypg (17th)
Total defense 305.4 ypg (8th) 326.5 ypg (14th)
3rd down conversions 32.22% (5th) 31.07% (3rd)
Red zone defense 41.67% (4th) 58.33% (18th)
Sacks 18 (18th) 21 (9th)
Takeaways 10 (14th) 5 (26th)

 

Announcers set for Chargers vs. Browns Week 9 game

Find out who will be calling the Week 9 game between the Chargers and Browns.

The Chargers look to improve to 5-3 when they meet the Browns on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 11:00 a.m. PT.

The Week 9 game will be televised on CBS. Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta will have the call.

Los Angeles is coming off a 26-8 victory over the Browns behind a breakout performance by Ladd McConkey and a dominant defensive effort.

Cleveland upset the Ravens, 29-24, in a game where Jameis Winston made his first start for the Browns and threw three touchdowns.

The Chargers lead the overall series, 19-9-1. The Bolts have won in their last four meetings with the Browns.

Top Twitter reactions from Chargers’ 30-28 victory over Browns

How Twitter reacted to the Chargers’ victory over the Browns in Week 5.

The Chargers escaped with a 30-28 victory against the Browns on Sunday afternoon.

The final minutes of the game consisted of a risky call on fourth down by head coach Brandon Staley and a missed field goal by rookie kicker Cade York with 11 seconds remaining in the game.

Here’s how the internet reacted to the nail-biting game:

How to watch, listen, stream, wager Chargers vs. Browns

To get you prepared for Week 5, here is everything you need to know about the matchup between the Chargers and Browns.

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to push past .500 when they take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 5 matchup:

Game Information

Who: Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Chargers

When: Sunday, Oct. 9 at 10:00 a.m. PT

Where: FirstEnergy Stadium — Cleveland, OH

Television

Those in the yellow area will get the game on CBS.

Greg Gumbel and Adam Archuleta will have the call.

Radio

ALT 98.7 FM

KBUA 105.5 / KBUE 94.3 FM

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

Betting

Lines are from Tipico Sports

  • Moneyline (ML): Chargers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Browns +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Chargers -2.5 (-108) Browns +2.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)

Social Media

Like Chargers Wire on Facebook

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Follow Gavino on Twitter (@GavinoBorquez)

Follow Alex on Twitter (@alexkatson)

Keys to a Chargers’ victory over Browns in Week 5

Highlighting how the Chargers can extend to 3-2 in Week 5.

The Chargers are looking to extend their record to 3-2 when they face the Browns on Sunday.

Here are the keys to victory for Los Angeles.

Pack the box

You have to limit Nick Chubb somehow, and it’s much easier to creep safeties into the box and hedge against the run when you’re not worried about a quarterback throwing deep on you. Brissett averages just 6.8 intended air yards per attempt this season, good for 24th in the league. (And ahead of Justin Herbert, who’s at 6.7. Sigh.) Last year when these teams met, Chubb rumbled for 161 yards on 21 carries against a league, and maybe decade-worst Chargers run defense. While that’s not likely to be replicated given the personnel changes on LA’s side, Chubb still has pancake chef Wyatt Teller paving the way for him. If the defensive line can’t hold up, Los Angeles must drift more players into the middle of the field.

Help the rookie

Without question, the number one priority in this game will be limiting the impact of Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney as they match up with Jamaree Salyer in the rookie’s second career start. Salyer played surprisingly well against the Texans last weekend, but Jonathan Greenard and company don’t have nearly the same level of talent as the pass rushers in Cleveland. The Chargers will be glad to see Gerald Everett’s Thursday injury designation removed, as he’s been the best blocker of the tight ends on the roster. I’d expect to see a lot of him and Sony Michel, the team’s best pass-protecting running back, on the field to help chip Garrett.

JC Jackson bounceback

For such a middle-of-the-field heavy strategy to work, the Chargers’ corners must play to their potential. On one side, Asante Samuel Jr. has been a revelation from the jump, holding his own against Davante Adams and doing all but finishing plays all season. On the other side, Jackson has only played games in even-numbered weeks, missing the opener while he recovered from ankle surgery and missing Week 3 with further complications with that ankle. Jackson hasn’t looked right all season, getting beat down the field consistently, an especially noticeable flaw last weekend. With Amari Cooper on Cleveland’s side and Jackson’s intended role in this defense, I’d expect some traveling to occur. But if Jackson once again can’t hold his own on an island, it could be a long afternoon for the big money corner.

Get Donald Parham involved

Keeping Everett in to block Garrett more may be a more realistic expectation, with Parham finally making his season debut after a hamstring injury followed him throughout training camp and the early season. Parham’s role in this offense is hard to overstate. The resident freak athlete in the tight end room, Parham is by far the biggest threat up the seam and in open space. His return should open up more room underneath as the Browns’ safeties are forced to carry him upfield. But the way to ensure that continues to happen is to get him the ball early and show Cleveland that he’s someone that must be accounted for.

Leave Derwin James on David Njoku

Njoku has been targeted at least six times and scored a touchdown in all three career games against the Chargers, including a seven-target, seven-reception, 149-yard performance last season. LA has also been a bit lenient on middle-of-the-field receivers this season, but I believe that has a lot to do with leaving Kenneth Murray in coverage more often than they should. In an ideal world, you’d want to move a player like James all over the formation to force Cleveland to account for him. But it’s pretty clear Njoku has LA’s number and his role has only expanded in the offense, on the whole, this season. Bryce Callahan also likely doesn’t have the size to put up with Njoku’s tight end frame all game long. Put Derwin on him, leave them there for 60 minutes, and see who comes out on top. 

Give Joshua Kelley the ball

The Chargers’ running back usage is harder to decipher than the Zodiac cipher. Austin Ekeler is the clear No. 1 option, but he just had his first good game of the season against a league-worst Texans team. Kelley has been the most efficient rusher by various metrics, but he has 13 carries through 4 games. Sony Michel is, as mentioned, the best pass protector but has been ineffective as a rusher. Isaiah Spiller is a healthy scratch every week because Brandon Staley says he needs to prove himself on special teams, and then Michel plays one snap in that discipline against Houston. It’s hard to be surprised that they have the 30th-best rushing attack in the league, up from last before last week’s game. With another weak run defense lining up across from Los Angeles on Sunday, I am begging Joe Lombardi to get Kelley a healthy complement of reps and show what he can do with a larger sample size.

Chargers’ reasons for optimism vs. Browns in Week 5

Here are four reasons why the Chargers should feel optimistic about winning when they face the Browns.

The Chargers will head to Cleveland this weekend. This game will be between two 2-2 teams with vastly different narratives thus far this season.

The Browns are mostly just trying to stay in the race until Deshaun Watson returns from his suspension, while Los Angeles has to be disappointed to have dropped two games this early in the season.

Here are four reasons the Bolts should be confident that they’ll move to 3-2.

Weak defensive front

With Taven Bryan missing Week 4 with a hamstring injury, Cleveland started Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai at defensive tackle against the Falcons. Those two are two of the three worst defensive tackles in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s unclear if Bryan will be ready to go by Sunday, but even if he is, he’s 70th in PFF grade among defensive tackles. With Corey Linsley back on the field after missing Week 3 with knee tendinitis, L.A. should be able to move bodies on the interior. Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) is also questionable for this game on the edge, leaving rookies Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas as the next men up. That’s a favorable matchup for Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins, who have played well above expectations this season.

Underperforming defensive backs

The Browns’ best corner per PFF has been rookie Martin Emerson Jr., a surprising outcome considering big names Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II have been taking their normal complement of snaps. Greedy Williams is also eligible to return from injured reserve this week, which could give Cleveland a boost. But overall, the defensive backs are simply not playing to expectation. The Browns are 18th in pass defense DVOA, despite playing Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, Mitchell Trubisky, and Marcus Mariota. The best of those quarterbacks by DVOA is Mariota at 17th, and he only completed seven passes against Cleveland. Flacco (25th) and Trubisky (27th) have already been benched. Mayfield (31st) is likely on his way if Sam Darnold can return from injured reserve soon. All this is to say, Justin Herbert (5th in DVOA) should be able to carve this secondary up.

Talent advantage

Injuries for both teams have hampered the star power of this matchup. Clowney’s status is, as we mentioned, up in the air. Myles Garrett will play, but there’s a chance he could be hindered by the shoulder injury that held him out last week. Joey Bosa is on injured reserve with his groin injury. But Los Angeles, on paper, is a more talented team than Cleveland. Despite giving up 27 points a game, the Chargers have the offensive firepower to compensate for their defensive deficiencies. If the game becomes a shootout, you have to think Hebert can outduel Jacoby Brissett, even if the latter is playing like a top-12 QB, per DVOA. Cleveland wants to lean on Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the run game, but if L.A. can get off to a good start the way they have in every other game, they should have the talent edge to close things out.

Fourth quarter flops

One of the biggest discourse points around the Chargers is their inability to finish games. Los Angeles has given up 75 points in the second half this season, the second worst in the NFL behind only the Lions. Compare that to 33 points allowed in the first half, tied for fourth-best behind San Francisco, Dallas, and Carolina. But Cleveland is dead last in fourth-quarter points allowed at 50, a full point and a half per game worse than the next worst team. Neither of these defenses has come to play later in games so far this season, and again, if that’s the case, Herbert gives the Bolts an edge.

Flashback Friday: Chargers beat Browns in high-scoring affair in 2021

Revisiting the last time the Chargers and Browns faced off.

Around this time last year, almost to the day, the Chargers hosted the Browns. The 2021 faceoff between the teams turned into an instant classic. 

The matchup was an offensive shootout with 1,025 yards of total offense, 683 passing yards, and 52 first downs. Los Angeles and Cleveland tallied a combined 41 points in the fourth quarter. 

Justin Herbert accumulated 398 passing yards and five total touchdowns. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen totaled 165 and 75 yards, respectively. The two made up 25 of 42 targets. Austin Ekeler had 119 yards from scrimmage and three scores.

It was a day of accolades for Herbert, who earned his record 11th 300-yard game and tied a career-high four passing touchdowns. 

Baker Mayfield, who was then the Browns’ starting quarterback, had a torn left labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Still, he had his 10th career 300-yard passing game in his 50th start.

The Bolts’ run defense had been an issue all season, but this marked their worst efforts. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt ran wild for 230 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries.

Yet despite their best efforts, the Browns became the first team in the NFL to lose a regular-season or playoff game when scoring 40-plus points with 500 yards and no turnovers. 

However, the Chargers proved early in the season that they could rally in close games and beat competitive teams like the Browns, winning by the score of 47-42.

Chargers vs. Browns: 5 storylines to follow in Week 5

Here are five of the biggest storylines to monitor during the Chargers’ matchup with the Browns.

The Chargers travel to Cleveland, looking to take care of business against the Browns and extend their record beyond .500.

Here are five storylines to watch for Sunday’s matchup.

Neutralizing Nick

The Browns have been one of the most efficient rushing teams in the NFL. Nick Chubb is tied for second in the league in rushing yards (459), yards per game (114.8), and touchdowns (5). Kareem Hunt hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1 but averages 4.3 yards per carry.

The Chargers allow an average of 109.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 14th in the league. However, they have allowed a carry of at least 50 yards in the last three games. Chubb has 15 explosive runs (runs over 10 yards).

Los Angeles has done a good job minimizing the run between the tackles with its offseason additions – Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, and Otito Ogbonnia. But it has allowed the damage outside the tackles, where Chubb is most dangerous.

Not having Joey Bosa, one of the team’s best run defenders, is a big deal. Therefore, it is imperative that Chris Rumph II and Kyle Van Noy set firm edges and the second and third levels of the defense take proper angles and wrap up, or else it could be a long day.

Run, baby, run

The Chargers struggled to run the ball in the first three games, resulting in the worst team in that department. However, they broke the mold last weekend against the Texans as Austin Ekeler found the end zone three times, two of which were on the ground.

Heading into this weekend, Los Angeles could be primed to have success running the ball again as the Browns’ defense falls 30th in run defense DVOA. In addition, Cleveland is tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns allowed (6). A big factor in this issue is the lack of stoutness along the defensive line.

Another trend to follow is who will get more carries. While Ekeler will lead the backfield in touches, Joshua Kelley has been the more efficient runner between him and Sony Michel but is still getting fewer snaps. Kelley averages 4.2 yards per carry, while Michel averages just 2.6 YPC.

Building off heck of a debut

After Rashawn Slater ruptured his biceps, the Chargers turned to sixth-round pick Jamaree Salyer to fill his shoes, even after it appeared Salyer was making a full-time transition to guard, having played there throughout camp and preseason.

Nevertheless, as someone who mainly played left tackle at a high level in his final two collegiate seasons at Georgia, Salyer looked at home in his regular-season debut as a pro against the Texans. He did not allow a single pressure in 41 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

While they did scheme to help him – chips from running backs and tight ends, moving pockets, and quick throws, Salyer held rushers at bay in pass protection, displaying great body control, balance, and strength in addition to sealing blocks and getting out in space in the run game.

This weekend, Salyer will draw maybe his toughest task of the year in Myles Garrett. Garrett, the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, is returning after he suffered a shoulder sprain and biceps strain in a car accident last week. He had 15 pressures and three sacks in the first three games of the season.

Donald’s debut

It looks like the Chargers will get Donald Parham back this weekend, marking his first game of the season. Parham has been out since the beginning of training camp after he injured his hamstring during one of their practices.

Parham’s last game came in Week 15 after suffering what could’ve been a career-ending injury when making a diving catch in the back of the end zone that caused him to be taken on a gurney. Before getting hurt in camp, Parham looked like one of the best players out there.

Parham finished the 2021 season with 20 catches on 27 targets for 190 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games.

Having Parham on the field is huge for the offense. Not only is he a threat as a receiver with his long 6-foot-8 frame to threaten the seams and box out defenders in the red zone, but he is a difference-maker on the edge to seal blocks in the run game.

Keeping the foot on the gas

In each of the Chargers’ games, it’s been a tale of two stories. They have looked good in the first half and have struggled in the second half, as evidenced last weekend as Los Angeles allowed the Texans to cut a 20-point halftime deficit to three points in the fourth quarter.

L.A. is 31st in the NFL in opponent’s second-half points per game (18.8). However, the third quarter is when the most damage is being done. The Chargers have allowed 39 third-quarter points this season, the second-worst. Offensively, they are 25th in second-half points per game (7.8).

The Bolts have to minimize the number of times the Browns have the ball because they lead the league in average time of possession (35:38).

“We definitely need to take control when we make those adjustments in the second half, making sure that we take them to the field, making sure that we execute,” Brandon Staley said.

Chargers sign kicker Taylor Bertolet to practice squad

In wake of Dustin Hopkins’ quad injury, the Chargers signed a kicker for insurance.

In wake of Dustin Hopkins’ quad injury that popped up on Wednesday’s injury report, the Chargers signed a kicker for insurance.

Los Angeles signed Taylor Bertolet to the practice squad, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

In a corresponding move, they released cornerback Michael Jacquet from the practice squad.

If Hopkins can’t play, Bertolet will be promoted to the active roster for this Sunday’s game against the Browns.

Bertolet signed with the Rams as an undrafted agent out of Texas A&M in 2016.

Bertolet had stints with the Broncos, Jets, Panthers and Vikings – most recently spending the month of September on Carolina’s practice squad.

He has yet to appear in an NFL game.

Bertolet also appeared in the Alliance of American Football, Canadian Football League, and United States Football League.

At Texas A&M, Bertolet made 37 of 56 field goal attempts (66.1%) with 128 of 138 extra point attempts (92.8%) throughout three seasons.

5 key things to know about Chargers’ Week 5 opponent: Browns

To get you prepped for the Chargers’ Week 5 matchup with the Browns, here are some important things to know about their opponent.

After downing the Texans, the Chargers will look to carry momentum when they face the Browns this Sunday.

To get you prepped for the Week 5 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Running wild

Last season when the Chargers and Browns met, Cleveland’s ground game gashed Los Angeles’ defense. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt combined for a massive 222 yards rushing on the day. This time around, the one-two punch should still pose a threat, as the Browns have been one of the most efficient rushing teams in the NFL. Chubb is tied for second in the league in rushing yards (459), yards per game (114.8) and touchdowns (5). Hunt, on the other hand, hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1, but he is averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

Not so much on the other side of the spectrum

The Browns may be running the football well, but you can’t say they’re nowhere close to that level when it comes to stopping it. Cleveland’s defense falls 30th in run defense DVOA, with the Patriots and Lions as the only two teams behind them. The Browns are tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns allowed (6). A big factor for this issue is the lack of stoutness along the interior part of the defensive line. Tommy Togiai is currently the 126th ranked defensive tackle out of 126. Jordan Elliott is in front of him at 125th. Taven Bryan has been dealing with a hamstring issue.

Jacoby is doing his job

After Deshaun Watson was suspended for 11 games during the 2022 NFL season and fined $5 million for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy, the Browns turned to Jacoby Brissett as the man under center for the time being. While the team has leaned on the running game for offensive success, the veteran spot starter has done a commendable job through four weeks, completing 65% of his passes for 830 yards for four touchdowns to two interceptions.

Garrett trending towards being good to go

Myeles Garrett, the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, did not play in the Browns’ Week 4 loss against the Falcons after he suffered a shoulder sprain and biceps strain in a car accident last week. Garrett was back on the practice field on Wednesday. He totaled 15 pressures and three sacks in the first three games of the season. Meanwhile, his partner-in-crime, Jadaveon Clowney, remained sidelined from practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury and has missed the last two games.

Other notes

– The Browns have allowed 14 20+ yard passes (t-6th most).

– Cleveland is leading the league in average time of possession (35:38).

– The Browns are sixth in the least amount of pressures allowed (28).

– The Browns are giving up 7.83 yards per play in the fourth quarter (most in NFL).