Cleveland Browns defense is struggling early against Arizona

The Cleveland Browns defense was an issue in Week 5 and that’s remained the case in Week 6 as the Cardinals scored on them with ease, hitting two big third-down plays

After giving up 47 points to the Chargers on the road last season, there was hope that the Cleveland Browns defense could be better this weekend. Sure, they were playing the red-hot Arizona Cardinals, but they were also getting some of their best players back.

Against Los Angeles, the Browns were without Greg Newsome and Jadeveon Clowney while also losing Denzel Ward during the game. With all their starters on defense back, they should have looked better against Arizona. But that wasn’t the case early.

Following a quick series from the offense, the Browns gave up a 40-yard run to Chase Edmonds on third-down which put the Cardinals in Cleveland territory. However, a miscue from the center helped the Browns as Kyler Murray and his team were facing a third-and-21.

However, the Cleveland defense again gave up a huge play. Murray was able to scramble and allow Christian Kirk enough time to get past slot corner Troy Hill and the former No. 1 pick hit Kirk for the touchdown.

In this game, Baker Mayfield is facing off against his former backup in Murray but the real deciding factor in this one won’t be No. 6 going against the Cards. It’s all about this defense which has been an issue in almost every game this season — outside of their contest against Minnesota and Chicago.

If they can’t get it together, it could be another long day for the Browns.