Browns vs. 49ers: Monday Night Football preview for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
Week 5 Matchups 49ers Need to Win
The Browns have shown resiliency to bounce back from ugly losses, like they did by beating the Ravens following an ugly prime-time home loss to the Rams.
That said, individual games are their own separate showdowns, and winning the one-on-one matchups can be vital in determining the outcome.
Here are some key ones the 49ers need to win on Monday.
Justin Skule vs. Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon
The Browns frequently line up Myles Garrett on the weak side of the formation, although Olivier Vernon can, too.
This will put either edge rusher into a key one-on-one matchup against the rookie, Skule, who didn’t allow a sack in his NFL starting debut versus Pittsburgh, although he was flagged three times for penalties.
Garrett is currently tied for second with six sacks on the year.
Emmanuel Moseley vs. Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry
Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (concussion) was able to practice this week, meaning both he and Odell Beckham Jr. should be active on the field Monday.
San Francisco 49ers
While veteran corner Richard Sherman will look to lock down the left side of San Francisco’s secondary, all eyes will be on Emmanuel Moseley and what he does in his first NFL start.
“Honestly, I wish he would have had a chance to play last year, because then people wouldn’t be as panicked as they are right now,” Sherman said of Moseley, who went on injured reserve after just one game in 2018, via KNBR 680’s Jacob Hutchinson.
At least the vote of confidence is reassuring.
Nick Bosa, Dee Ford vs. Greg Robinson, Chris Hubbard
While the 49ers can worry a little bit about the Browns pass rush, the script can easily be flipped.
Dee Ford is expected to play in the contest, albeit in a limited role, while rookie EDGE Nick Bosa has already made his impact felt on the young season.
Both edge rushers figure to go up against Cleveland’s starting tackles, Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard, who have allowed a combined three sacks and nine pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
49ers Run Defense vs. Nick Chubb
In order to allow San Francisco’s pass-rushers to pin their collective ears back and rush Baker Mayfield, the Niners will have to stop Browns running back Nick Chubb.
Chubb, of course, amassed an astounding 165 rush yards and three touchdowns in Cleveland’s Week 4 dominant win over the Ravens. But if one takes away that performance, Chubb is averaging just over 4 yards per carry — over a full yard less than his current season average.
Good thing the Niners defense is averaging just 3.4 yards against on the ground.