Tough matchups abound for Eagles, who desperately need to bounce back

The good news for the Eagles is that they’re still in first place in the NFC East following last week’s abominable 27-17 loss to the New York Giants.

The bad news is that they start the most brutal stretch of their schedule Sunday against the much-improved Browns in Cleveland.

If they can’t figure out a way to get even for losing a game they were expected to win (Giants) during the next month, they might not be able to remain on top, despite the division being historically poor.

Here’s how they match up with the Browns:

Game facts

What: Eagles at Cleveland Browns

Where: FirstEnergy Stadium When: 1 p.m. Sunday

TV: FOX

Radio: WCTO 96.1 FM, WIP 94.1

Records: Eagles 3-5-1; Browns

The spread: Browns favored by 3 Total points: 47½

Injuries

Eagles: S Rudy Ford (hamstring) is out.

Browns: G Wyatt Teller (calf ) and LB Mack Wilson (hip) are questionable. DE Myles Garrett has been placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list.

Key matchups

Eagles secondary vs. Browns RBs Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb

Unlike some of the other top-flight running attacks the Eagles have faced, the Browns don’t do too many fancy things. They come straight at you or they get out on the perimeter with stretch plays. And when they break into the defensive backfield, the Eagles safeties and corners have to be prepared to come up and stick Hunt, who is 220 pounds, and Chubb, who is 230.

Chubb is notoriously hard to bring down and according to Pro Football Focus averages more yards (4.41) after contact than anyone in the league.

Eagles secondary vs. Browns’ play-action

If you’re starting to get the idea the play of the Eagles’ secondary will be crucial, you’re right. Because in addition to being able to plug holes in the run defense, the defensive backs will have to stay disciplined enough not to be sucked in too deep on play fakes, or things could open up over the top.

“I think the biggest thing with that is, one, trusting the guy next to you if it is run that he’s going to be in the right spot so you’ll be able to read your keys so you can play run,” safety Jalen Mills said. “And outside of that, having great eyes when the play-action does come to where your eyes aren’t in the backfield and you’re so worried about the run that you don’t see your guy releasing for a pass or whatever it may be.”

Eagles QB Carson Wentz vs. Browns secondary

The Browns have been vulnerable in the pass game and regardless of the nasty weather these teams may encounter Sunday, the Eagles are going to have to exploit this matchup, one of the few that could work in their favor, to have any chance.

Wentz’s troubles this season have been dissected ad infinitum.

But he must find a way to get multiple receivers involved and unleash the full explosive power of Sanders, who can be just as potent in the passing game as he is to their rushing attack.

Eagles pass rush vs. Browns OL

Mayfield is a well-protected quarterback who been sacked just 12 times behind a formidable line.

So even if the Eagles are successful in stopping the run and making the Browns one-dimensional, they won’t necessarily be able to pressure Mayfield easily.

“I think they got a lot better just by being together for a little bit,” said Eagles DT Javon Hargrave, who used to play against the Browns twice a year as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. “They kind of know how to play with each other.”

Fierro’s pick

Browns 20, Eagles 10. (Season pick record 5-3-1)

Morning Call reporter

Nick Fierro can be reached at 610-778-2243 or nfierro@mcall.com.