Amid a winless season, the Browns’ run defense has been a bright spot.
They hope it’ll shine against the Bears on Sunday as Cleveland tries to earn its first victory against one of the NFL’s better rushing attacks.
“When I first came here, that was one of the goals to get that changed and turned,” coach Hue Jackson said Thursday. “I think (defensive coordinator) Gregg Williams and his staff and our defensive players have done a good job.”
In 14 games, the Browns rank seventh against the run in yards allowed per game (96.1). The unit, buoyed by a young defensive line and emerging trio of linebackers, including Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert, has slowed top running backs such as Le’Veon Bell (10 carries for 32 yards), DeMarco Murray (18 for 59) and Melvin Gordon (19 for 77).