Three Instant reactions to Cleveland Browns upset win over Tennessee Titans

3. The Browns’ Defense Can’t Close

This was yet another blowout game that the defense couldn’t close in. After starting the game up 38-7, the Browns defense allowed 28 points in the 2nd half, including two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the game. While the Baker fumble set them up in a bad position, they have to be able to close out situations like this if the Browns are going to have a shot in the playoffs.

The defensive line looked great today, and that was pretty much it for the defense. They were able to create some turnovers, three to be exact, but those mostly masked up a poor performance from the Cleveland Browns overall. The secondary struggled and clearly misses Denzel Ward badly. I will be flabbergasted if the Cleveland Browns don’t draft a defensive player in the first round this offseason, specifically a cornerback to pair up with Denzel Ward.

In the linebacker room, everything looked the same as they usually do, but Malcolm Smith again proved to be in my opinion the best linebacker on the team. Mack Wilson also made a few good plays, including a good tackle for loss. The defense should be commended on their ability to shut down Derrick Henry, but have a lot of work to do in stopping the passing game.

Overall, this defense has a lot of work to do before the Browns are actually considered a potential contender. There are some great building blocks in place to make something special, but they need a few more pieces to be great. Today’s game showed their deficiencies on display.