The anticipation for a Browns game is close to reaching a new point. Even with the underdog teams of the past, you at least had a feeling that the Browns could pull off an "upset special." With the Bears coming off a 45-10 loss to the Bengals though, an "upset" isn't even crossing my mind. Why? We can't even score a touchdown if it doesn't involve special teams.
| CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-6) | WEEK 8 | CHICAGO BEARS (3-3) | |||
 | VS. |  | |||
| Date: | November 1, 2009 | Location: | Chicago, IL |
| Time: | 1:00 p.m. ET | Stadium: | Soldier Field |
| TV: | CBS | Favorite: | Bears by 13½ |
| Radio: | WTAM, 1100 AM | Over/Under: | 40½ |
| SBN Coverage: | Windy City Gridiron | Announcers | Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots |
After this week, the Browns will head into their bye week before returning November 16 on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens. Assuming Anderson struggles again this week, I hope we get to see Brady Quinn the rest of the season.
Let's start off this week's preview with the overall team statistics heading into Week 8...
OFFENSE
| Category | Browns | Bears |
| Points Scored | 10.3 (30th) = Push | 21.5 (20th) |
| Passing | 128.3 (31st) = Push | 231.5 (16th) |
| Rushing | 97.1 (24th) = -6 | 80.7 (29th) |
| Total Offense (yards) | 225.4 (31st) = Push | 312.2 (21st) |
DEFENSE
| Category | Browns | Bears |
| Points Scored | 25.6 (27th) = -1 | 24.0 (22nd) |
| Passing | 244.3 (24th) = -1 | 220.3 (16th) |
| Rushing | 170.6 (31st) = -1 | 109.5 (18th) |
| Total Defense (yards) | 414.9 (32nd) = Push | 329.8 (16th) |
| CLEVELAND BROWNS | Position | CHICAGO BEARS | ||
| To make light of a situation, I would still take Derek Anderson over Trent Edwards as a starting quarterback. Har har. | QB |  | Jay Cutler might not have been able to pull the Bears above mediocrity, but he's far and above better than the Browns' quarterbacks. | |
| Now the new regime is saying Jerome Harrison needs to work on his blocking. Just let him run the ball instead then? | RB | | The ground game is struggling, but they have their running back of the future in second-year man Matt Forte. | |
| Rookie Brian Robiskie was drafted in the second round and has 1 catch for 23 yards and 0 touchdowns. | WR | | Rookie Johnny Knox was drafted in the fifth round and has 21 catches for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns. | |
| If Anderson was struggling because he had only two seconds to throw every play, we could make excuses for him. He's having plenty of time. |  | OL | The Bears' offensive line has been a disappointment this season, although Cutler has gotten rid of the ball before taking would-be sacks. | |
| For all of that bulk and experience we have on the defensive line, the unit isn't getting the job done. | DL | | DT Tommie Harris, missing last week when Carson Palmer had a field day, returns this week to the starting lineup. | |
| I'll have most of my attention focused on Kaluka Maiava this week to see how he improves over last week. More of David Veikune and Alex Hall still, please. | LB | | It's pretty bad for our linebacker unit when the Bears lose both of their top inside linebackers, including Brian Urlacher, and are still ranked higher here. | |
| I'm still confident in Eric Wright, but the rest of the secondary hasn't had a chance to shine due to other areas of the defense falling apart again. | | DB | | Charles Tillman was burned last week by Chad Ochocinco. We don't have a receiver right now who can burn anybody. |
| The return of Phil Dawson could come this week, which means we can finally attempt some longer field goals. | | ST | The Bears have dangerous return men and a solid kicking game; this one could really be close to "even." | |
Creativity on offense. That's the only way I see the Browns having any chance of pulling off an upset. If the coaching staff says they should be using Cribbs more, then use him. I don't have faith in Brian Daboll to pour creativity into this game if he hasn't done it all season. Cutler will find the Browns' defense much easier to pick apart than the Bengals last week.
FINAL PREDICTION: Chicago Bears 27, Cleveland Browns 10.
CHRIS' RECORD IN PICKING BROWNS GAMES: 6-1
CHRIS' OVERALL NFL PREDICTIONS RECORD: 77-26
This is the official gameday thread for the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 as they take on the Chicago Bears. All comments regarding the game should be posted in this topic. Enjoy the game, and GO BROWNS!!!