49ers' Defense is Poised for a Breakout Game Against the Browns

All season long, the main strength of the 49ers has been their offense, but this is the game where the 49ers' defense can be the heroes.

There is a decent chance that the offense of the 49ers struggles against the Browns' defense in Week 6.

Cleveland is one of the best defenses, if not the best, in the league. The 49ers' offense is sure to have their fits with them. In fact, I fully expect it to be a tough one for them. Scoring 30 points is something I don't believe will happen. It can be a long day for the 49ers' offense where scoring points are at a premium.

This is where the 49ers' defense can help the offense. All season long, the main strength of the 49ers has been their offense, but this is the game where the 49ers' defense can be the heroes. They won't be facing an offense that is threatening at all. And now they will be facing a backup quarterback in P.J. Walker instead of starter Deshaun Watson. But that does not mean the 49ers are taking Walker lightly.

"I’ve always been a fan of his over the years," said Kyle Shanahan. "He’s got experience. He’s a vet, he can hurt you with his legs, he can hurt you with his arm. I think when he has gotten his opportunities in this league, he has done a good job. Having [defensive coordinator] Steve [Wilks] be familiar with him in Carolina helps a lot. I don’t have to look too much into it. I know Steve’s got a good feel and what his pluses and minuses are and we’ve been preparing it all week like it could be this too.”

That familiarity with Steve Wilks is exactly why the 49ers' defense is poised for a breakout game against the Browns. It isn't solely because Walker is a backup quarterback. That plays a part of course, but Wilks knowing Walker from last season in Carolina is essentially knowing the blueprints of the Browns' offense to a degree. It was already going to be a steamroll for the 49ers' defense versus the Browns even if they started Watson. But that familiarity is what will take the 49ers' defense over the top. 

Despite that, Wilks was still fairly complimentary of his former starter with the Panthers.

“I think he’s very capable of running that offense," said Wilks of Walker. "He makes good decisions. He’s good with the ball. He can win with his legs, a lot of what [QB] Deshaun [Watson] can do. So when people say are they going to dummy down the offense? I don’t think so. I think he’s more than capable of running that offense.”

It's always wise to not overlook your opponent no matter who they are or how much you know them. But just like Wilks predicted that there will be opportunities to pick off and expose Dak Prescott last week against the Cowboys, I am sure he is preaching opportunities to make Walker look mediocre. I expect another multi-turnover game from the 49ers where they get a score as well as a multi-sack performance. 

Book it.