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Baltimore vs. Cleveland: What to look for from the Cleveland Browns week 1

By Josh Brown

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Earl Thomas III #29 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts to tackle Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Earl Thomas III #29 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts to tackle Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
BEREA, OHIO – AUGUST 16: Daniel Ekuale #96 of the Cleveland Browns and other members of the defense works out during training camp on August 16, 2020, at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Tackling

The Browns have been the worst tackling defenses for two straight seasons and most seasons since coming back to the NFL. This must change. They must wrap up and bring guys to the ground, especially against teams like the Ravens. It is impossible to be a good defense, let alone a great one, if you continue to miss guys or let them break through arm tackles.

The AFC North is a brutal ground game-oriented division, and if you can’t stop the run, you will not be able to win games consistently. Stopping the run starts with being in the right position and making the tackle. It is up to Joe Woods and the defensive leaders to establish a culture of accountability for themselves and the players around them. Tackling is hard and has a lot to do with desire along with technique. The players must want to tackle if you don’t, then you should not be on the field.

Some of this issue should be helped by the addition of players like B.J. Goodson and Karl Joseph. Both have reputations of being strong against the run and tackling well. These two need to come in and help set the tone for the rest of the defense.

The defense will be tested by the best rushing offense in the NFL last season in a shortened offseason. It could be a sloppy game on both sides. The key is to see signs that this defense is on the right track and in the right place to make plays.

Hopefully, that means that as they continue into the 2020 season, we see running backs and wide receivers taken to the ground.

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