Browns defense too much for Justin Fields, spoils rookie first career start (Cleveland, OH) – Cleveland defeated Chicago 26-6 in a dominating fashion Sunday afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defense showed no mercy on rookie quarterback Justin Fields, sacking him nine times. He finished 6 of 20 for 68 yards and was under pressure the entire game.
The Bears led three to nothing following the first quarter after kicker Cairo Santos converted on a 47 yard field goal halfway through the period. It was downhill for Chicago after that. Browns kicker Chase McLaughlin made a 57 yard field goal to tie the game at 3. The Browns sacked Fields twice on the next drive forcing the Bears to punt. Baker Mayfield found Austin Hooper for a 13 yard touchdown to take a 10-3 lead at the half.
Second Half
Chicago’s offensive struggles continued in the second half while Cleveland put together better drives. Kareem Hunt had a big day for the Browns scoring on a 29 yard touchdown run in the fourth which seemingly put the game away. He finished with a 155 total yards. Nick Chubb had a solid day for the Browns with 22 carries for 84 yards.
However the star of the game would be pass rusher Myles Garrett, who had a career high 4 and a half sacks. Jadeveon Clowney also contributed with 2 sacks. Odell Beckham Jr. led the Cleveland receiving core with Jarvis Landry out on IR. Beckham, in his first game back in almost a year since recovering from an ACL injury, looked sharp with 5 receptions for 77 yards.
Bears Defense
Despite the inept outing on the offensive end, Chicago’s defense kept the game respectable until late in the fourth quarter. The Bears sacked Mayfield 5 times, with Khalil Mack recording 2 of those. Mack left the game and went to the locker room in the second quarter with what looked to be a lower body injury, but would return in the third. Roquan Smith led the Bears with nine total tackles.
Injury Update:
Bears linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe left the game with a hamstring injury and did not return.
Browns cornerback Greg Newsome ll exited the game with a calf injury.
Up Next:
Chicago will return home to face the 0-3 Detroit Lions next week.
Cleveland will travel to Minneapolis next week to face the Vikings.
Browns defense too much for Justin Fields, spoils rookie first career start
