Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from season finale loss against Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Running Back Kenneth Dixon #30 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Dud: Browns rush defense

For the better part of the game, it appeared that the Browns defense had no idea how to stop the Baltimore rushing attack. In every facet of the Browns rush defense, they were being dominated and could not contain any of the Ravens rushers.

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Baltimore was able to control most of the game due to their ability dominate the clock. The Ravens rushed for 296 yards on the ground, a season high. Kenneth Dixon led the way with 117 yards, with Jackson adding 90 yards, and Gus Edwards rushing for 76 yards. Baltimore averaged 6.3 yards per carry as a team.

With the Browns unable to limit the Baltimore rushing attack, the defense was playing on their heels for the first three quarters. With Jackson’s ability to run the ball, the Browns defense was often put in a bind of whether to follow him or the running back.

Cleveland was able to make adjustments in the second half, which slowed down the Ravens rushing attack. But it was not enough to keep them from getting down the field into field goal range.

The Browns rush defense has left much to be desired the entire season. Had they been able to make their second-half adjustments earlier on in the game, there is a good chance that the Ravens offense would not have been as potent as they were in the first half.

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