The Chicago Bears know the stakes going into Sunday. While the Cleveland Browns might be 3-10, this is not a game to overlook. Head coach Ben Johnson knows the Bears need at least 11 wins to make the playoffs. They have nine, and there are four games left. This is the last one on the schedule that you can call a should-win. After that, it’s the Packers, 49ers, and Lions to close it out. All are fighting for playoff spots. The biggest challenge for Johnson is figuring out how to attack Jim Schwartz and that Browns defense.
Cleveland ranks 2nd in total defense this season, including #1 against the pass. Much of that is thanks to the presence of superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett and Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward. However, the unit isn’t quite perfect. They’ve had a couple of tough games the past two weeks, including a loss to the lowly Tennessee Titans. If they want to upset the Bears, it must start with stopping Johnson’s offense. Of all the names that worry Schwartz, there is one that has his full attention.
It isn’t surprising he’d notice the 7th round pick.
Monangai has given the Bears a significant jolt on offense in the past several weeks. His relentless running style is a perfect contrast to D’Andre Swift’s speed and agility. The Browns have proven vulnerable to such combinations this season.
Jim Schwartz isn’t facing the Bears’ coaches of the past.
The former Detroit Lions head coach has enjoyed considerable success against the Bears. He is undefeated against them (5-0) since returning to the defensive coordinator ranks in 2014. In that time, his defense has never given up more than 20 points. However, he faces a far steeper challenge this time. It won’t be Marc Trestman, Matt Nagy, or Luke Getsy calling the plays. Jim Schwartz will tangle with Ben Johnson, one of the best offensive play callers in the NFL. As good as the defensive coordinator is, he’s been vulnerable against offensive minds who are his equal.
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- Josh McDaniels put up 32 points on him.
- Kyle Shanahan managed 26.
- Todd Monken dropped 41.
- Kevin O’Connell had 21 with a backup quarterback.
Johnson is every bit in their league, and he has multiple advantages in his favor. The Bears are at home, and it will be frigidly cold on Sunday. Defenses don’t tend to function well in those conditions, especially when your opponent can run the ball well. Schwartz will need to bring his best stuff; otherwise, his concerns about Monangai will be proven accurate.
