Where Can The Browns Attack the 49ers Defense?

Deshaun Watson or not, the Browns have to be creative and execute to perfection to beat the 49ers.

The Cleveland Browns will have their hands full facing this 49ers defense. Whether it is Deshaun Watson or PJ Walker, the Browns will have to be close to perfect to compete with this Top 2 NFL Defense.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) pulls in a catch for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter in Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 :: © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watching San Francisco's defense is a mirror image of the Browns. Their foundation is a strong defensive line, two athletic and physical linebackers and a good secondary complete with stars at every level. Sound familiar?

Defensive Line

This is one of the best groups in the league. They are led by a familiar face, Nick Bosa. Bosa is a total do-it-all player who relentlessly rushes the quarterback and he is stout against the run. He is as complete of a player as you will see. 

September 21, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) and linebacker Fred Warner (54) defend during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports / © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Joining him is former Top-5 pick Clenin Ferrell, tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave, backed up by Javon Kinlaw and new addition Randy Gregory. The Browns offensive line will need their A+ game to stop this group from making an impact.

Linebackers

If you're not already familiar with the names Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, get ready to hear them often on Sunday.

Warner is the "quarterback of the defense." He will be the guy lining everyone up, communicating with the front and the secondary, and he will be in on every play. He has 25 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. 

Whatever play Warner doesn't make, Dre Greenlaw cleans up. Greenlaw is all energy, all the time. He wears a big bulky elbow brace and he too will be around the ball at all times. 

These two are really fun to watch. They fly around, make plays in the run game and cover in the pass game. 

Sep 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) is brought down by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary

If there is a weakness on this team, it might be in the secondary. Cornerbacks Chavarious Ward and Deommodore Lenoir hold it down on the outside. Combined, these two have 36 tackles and two interceptions on the year.

November 13, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) intercepts the football against Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports / © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The back end is manned by Tashaun Gipson Sr. and Talanoa Hufanga. Yes, Tashaun Gipson is the former Brown from 2014. His running mate Hufanga will remind you of Troy Palamolu. He plays fast and strong - a very fun player to watch.

Sunday's Gameplan

Sunday is going to be a tall order for the Browns offense. Five weeks into the season and only one opponent has been able to crack the 49ers code, the Los Angeles Rams.

The secret to attacking San Francisco is going to be through the air. This puts the onus on the Browns offensive line, tight ends, and running backs to do their part in protection. 

If the Browns can protect, the trio of Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Donovan Peoples-Jones have an opportunity to make plays down the field. The Browns can have the advantage through the air if they are able to protect.

For whoever is playing quarterback, protecting the football is paramount. This defense has forced eight interceptions already this season and feasts off turnovers. If you win the field position battle you will have a chance to win the game.

Lastly, Kevin Stefanski has to have his best game as the Browns playcaller. This cannot be a straight dropback game like last week or it will get ugly quick. He needs to move the pocket, be creative in protection, find easy throws and take calculated chances. 

It will be an uphill climb but this team is not unbeatable. If the Browns protect the quarterback, protect the football, and win the turnover battle, they will have a chance.