5 reasons Cleveland Browns will hand San Francisco 49ers first loss in Week 5
4. Ground game off and running
Nick Chubb finally got 20 carries and the second-year back rewarded his head coach with 165 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens in Week 4.
The rushing attack will need to be just as good against a 49ers team that has stockpiled weapons on defense.
If Kitchens tries to throw the ball 40 times, be worried about Mayfield. The 49ers defensive ends now include Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead. On the inside, coach Kyle Shanahan features DeForest Buckner in addition to Standford product Solomon Thomas.
A good way to neutralize a strong offensive line is to run, especially since the Browns offensive line is still a work in progress. The unit was better last week, but the one fundamental thing they all should be able to do is run block.
With Chubb’s combination of elusiveness and speed, the ground game should open up all kinds of opportunities. through the air when Kitchens dials up a pass.