3 Things to watch for in Browns preseason game vs. Buccaneers

Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Randy Starks (94) tackles Buffalo Bills Ricky Seale during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Run Defense Needs to Be Relevant 

We’ve talked at nauseam about how the Browns defense ranked 32nd against the run last season. The additions of first-round pick Danny Shelton and free agent Randy Starks, as well as a healthy Phil Taylor, should surely make a big difference. But it’s still something that needs to be proven.

Last week against the Buffalo Bills, provided a step forward in the right direction.

Giving up only 81 yards on the ground, at a 2.8 yards per carry clip. But I’m not sure how much you can take away from a game where the starters didn’t play a full four quarter game. Especially, against a Buffalo offense that didn’t play any of the first five running backs on their depth chart.

We need to see Shelton disrupting and demanding multiple blockers to make the lives of Starks, Taylor, and company, much easier. It’s almost like having a good hitter behind you in a baseball lineup, serving as protection.

The AFC North is loaded with excellent running attacks. From Le’Veon Bell in Pittsburgh, to Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard in Cincinnati, to Justin Forsett in Baltimore. Playing football in Cleveland and having a soft defense, just doesn’t go together. A serious improvement needs to be made by the starters in this preseason matchup.

Next: Do the Browns Have a Tight End?