San Francisco 49ers Vs Cleveland Browns: Game Preview

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Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Key Matchup

Browns Offensive Line vs 49ers Pass Rush

With how bad the 49ers pass defense is and how they’re facing a young QB in Manziel, you can expect San Francisco’s defensive coordinator Eric Mangini to rush Manziel early and often throughout the game. The outcome of the game will rely heavily on how Manziel performs against those blitzes.

That is where the Browns offensive line comes in. If the Browns offensive line can pick up those blitzes then expect Manziel to be able to move the offense up and down the field almost at will against this awful pass defense.

Unfortunately, they will be substituting in a new offensive guard into the fray and that could lead to some complications up front. After guard Joel Bitonio’s ankle injury and guard Cameron Erving’s bad performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns will rely on Austin Pasztor to come in at left guard to help mend the offensive line.

The good news however is that the 49ers’ pass rush is not exactly breaking records either, as the defense only recorded a total of 20 sacks this year. Whichever unit steps up to the plate will likely be on the winning end of this matchup.

Next: Prediction