Daily Dawg Tags: Browns defense not looking so bad right now
By Thomas Moore
The Cleveland Browns have not done much right this season, but the growth of the defense against the run is something to be excited about.
The offensive numbers continue to be bleak for the Cleveland Browns, but things are looking a bit better on the defensive side of the ball.
Eight weeks into the season and the Browns are tops in the NFL when it comes to limiting opposing running backs by allowing just 2.9 yards per carry. The Browns check in at No. 4 when it comes to total rushing yards allowed at 84.2 per game.
That is quite a jump from just a season ago as the Browns were No. 28 in the league after allowing 4.6 yards per carry and 31st in the league at 142.7 yards per game under former defensive coordinator Ray Horton.
No talent, indeed!
It is interesting to note that the San Francisco 49ers, who are competing with the Browns for the top overall selection in the NFL Draft for a second consecutive season, are just as bad this year as the 49ers are dead last in rushing yards allowed per game.
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It is not all good news, of course, for the Browns on defense as the team is still struggling to control the passing game – 25th in touchdown passes allowed, 31st in passer rating and 28th in points per game – but a team can’t be expected to fix everything all at once, after all.
Last weekend’s bye should prove beneficial for the Browns as the defense has been struggling with injuries the past few weeks. Defensive end Myles Garrett missed the game against the Minnesota Vikings with a concussion, and cornerback Jason McCourty and safety Jabrill Peppers have not played since the game against the New York Jets on Oct. 8.
The upcoming game against the Lions should present an interesting matchup for the Browns as the Lions struggle to run the ball put are averaging 25.8 points per game thanks to quarterback Matthew Stafford.
While the Browns prepare for a road game to the Motor City, let’s take a quick run through the weekly NFL power rankings.
"No. 32 (no change): At the start of the season, there was some hope that the Browns might not be the worst team in the league. But after another 0-8 start, the Browns are back to the bottom, and it isn’t getting better. No quarterback on the roster has ever won a game as a starter. (Pittsburgh No. 3, Baltimore No. 20, Cincinnati No. 25)"
"No. 32 (no change): All they did on the bye week was botch a trade for A.J. McCarron because of paperwork issues. They just can’t seem to get anything right. (Pittsburgh No. 3, Baltimore No. 17, Cincinnati No. 25)"
"No. 32 (no change): Given all of Josh Gordon’s issues, it would be a great story if he resurrected his career. The talent is there. The opportunity is too, because the Browns could use him. Here’s hoping. (Pittsburgh No. 3, Baltimore No. 19, Cincinnati No. 23)"
"No. 32 (no change): Much negativity surrounding this franchise right now … Why didn’t the Browns get the deal in for A.J. McCarron? Why didn’t they trade for Jimmy Garoppolo this spring? How dumb is Cleveland for not drafting Deshaun Watson Enough already. We get it. The Browns stink right now. Moneyball isn’t winning in the NFL. You know what? Nor has McCarron. Jimmy G has thrown 94 passes at this level. Total. How does anyone know that Watson would’ve enjoyed the same success with different coaches, different complementary players and a completely different environment? To quote Brad Pitt (from, ironically enough, Moneyball): You don’t. You don’t."
In a season where not a lot has gone right for the Browns, the defense is evolving into a unit that should not only be fun to watch, but one that opposing offenses may actually have to take notice of.
Next: The myth of a quick turnaround in the NFL
Remember that the next time someone tries to sell you the line about how the Browns have no talent on the roster.