Evaluating the Cleveland Browns at the quarter mark
By Thomas Moore
Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) celebrates scoring a third quarter touchdown over Cleveland Browns running back Robert Turbin (32) at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego went on to a 30-27 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Thumbs down: The Pass Defense
As bad as the run defense has been, the pass defense has probably been worse, if only because the secondary was presumed to be a strength of the team.
But the Browns are currently 22nd against the pass, have allowed nine touchdown passes (fourth most in the league) and have allowed opposing quarterbacks to post a rating of 107.3 (28th in the NFL).
And to think they still have to face Joe Flacco, Peyton Manning, (possibly) Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer and Russell Wilson before the season comes to a close.
“We need to play better across the board, and we haven’t” Pettine said. “That’s why we’re 1-3. Defensively, given my background and just where we are as a coaching staff and having worked closely with those guys for so long and continue to, that whole room is upset. It’s prideful, and it’s players and coaches alike.”
Next: The Kicking Game