3 Cleveland Browns who have been MIA through 4 games
By Greg Newland
The injury bug
For most fans, the biggest disappointment this season has been all the injuries. It started with Wilson, Williams, and Delpit before the season started and just hasn’t let up for the Browns, specifically on defense. At times I have thought to myself, “Who is another linebacker on our roster if this guy gets hurt?”.
Injuries are a part of the game, they happen every single season. Mix in a global pandemic, limit training camp, and no preseason and I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. Unfortunately, it’s not just the Browns with injuries either. Look at teams like the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and New York Jets who have also been decimated. On Thursday Night Football this week (I hope you didn’t have to watch that train wreck) there were guys called up from the practice squad that day taking snaps in the secondary for the Jets. I’m not a coach, but that is not a recipe for success.
For the Browns, the biggest disappointment is the continued injuries to cornerback Greedy Williams and defensive end Olivier Vernon. Clevelandoriginally thought they got a steal with Williams falling to them in the second round from LSU. Of a possible 20 starts, Williams has only made 12 for the Browns so far because of injuries. While it’s unfortunate he’s hurt, the NFL is a business and the Browns can’t afford to have guys that can’t be on the field.
In March of last year, the Browns made multiple splash trades, one which was for “star” pass rusher Vernon from the Giants. At the time many commented that Vernon has struggled to be on the field and wasn’t sure how great of a trade it was. While you hate to be an “I told you so” guy, so far, those folks are right. In 20 possible starts, Vernon has only made 11. And in those 11 starts Vernon has only produced 3.5 sacks.
Next. Browns win, upcoming schedule could bring more. dark
Let’s hope this team can finally get healthy. I don’t think it’s fair to call anyone capable of playing in the NFL soft, but the Browns can’t continue to pay big money to guys who can’t find the field. If the Browns can get some of these guys back and stay healthy, watch out for a dangerous team going down the stretch.