Evaluating the Cleveland Browns at the quarter mark
By Thomas Moore
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Thumbs down: The Run Defense
Where to begin?
The Browns are giving up 141.5 yards per game (31st in the NFL), 4.8 yards per carry (tied for 28th), given up five runs of 20-plus yards (second most in the league) and two runs of 40-plus yards (the most in the NFL).
It’s reached the point where Pettine is openly challenging the front seven to step up their game.
“We have to play well up front,” Pettine said in reference to the upcoming game against Baltimore, but really could have been talking about any week. “That was the challenge in the meeting this morning that this is an offensive line and a tight end group, they’re big, physically. We have to focus on technique and winning one-on-one matchups.
“All the things we talk about get off the ball, knock our guy back, separate from a block violently, tackle. If we want to be successful on defense this year – this week – it starts up front.”
It also starts with not missing tackles, something the Browns have struggled with so far this season.
If the Browns don’t start to tighten up the run defense, this season is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.
Next: The Pass Defense