Cleveland Browns: 4 things to do during the bye week

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a catch to score on a fifty-six yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Say what you will about the run defense last season (it was horrible), but at least the pass defense was solid and the Browns were able to keep most of their games close.

More importantly, they only gave up and average of 21 points per game (OK, only is a relative term) and surrounded 30 points in a game just twice.

This season they have already given up 30 or more points six times (including the past three games) and are allowing an average of 27.7 points per game.

“I just feel like we are not playing a well-rounded game right now. We have to find out what we are good at, then focus on it until we are great at it.” – linebacker Paul Kruger

In addition, the run defense has actually been worse than last season and the pass defense has dropped from seventh (its final ranking last season to 25th this season.

Injuries in the secondary have certainly contributed to the problem, but the biggest difference has been that head coach Mike Pettine is no longer actively involved in the defense and is allowing defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil to run the show.

It is easy to understand Pettine thinking that O’Neil would be ready to handle the defense on his own after the pair co-managed the defense last season, but the results clearly say that is not the case.

In addition, Pettine wanted to lead a defensive approach to the offensive meetings with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo in his first year as a coordinator at any level.

While the offense has struggled at times to put points on the board, DeFilippo seems like he can handle things from here on out, which means it is time for Pettine to turn his attention back to what he knows best – the defense.

He doesn’t have to demote O’Neil or publicly shame him, despite some fans wanting that to happen, but Pettine can’t go on letting O’Neil be Maurice Carthon to his Romeo Crennel.

If nothing else, Pettine should be able to at least bring some sense of order back to the defensive side of the ball and help the Browns be competitive once again.

Next: Let the youngsters play