3 areas where Browns need to improve before Week 4

1. Leadership

Winning solves everything. Well, not everything.

Leadership has emerged as a major issue for the Browns’ defense. Not simply in terms of communication on the field, but primarily in what’s being said off the field.

The defense is fragmented with players blaming each other and defending their statistics in press conferences. This defensive in-fighting that’s being played out in the media is the result of all the communication issues on the field.

But instead of doing what most teams do, leave the issues in-house, Browns players have decided they need to defend themselves and their play to the media. When has taking one’s case to the media ever really helped their cause?

The fact that these issues are occurring indicates there is a leadership vacuum in the clubhouse. Coaches and players point to Anthony Walker as the defensive leader. But his injury now leaves an even bigger vacuum on a team in desperate need of focus and a rallying point.

Now is the time for John Johnson or Myles Garrett to step up and be the leader. Lead not by calling out coaches or teammates in the media. That’s not leadership, that is drama. The Browns have enough drama with their kick return unit. They don’t need more on defense.

No, instead, lead by getting everyone on the same page. Help heal the wounds. Facilitate getting the communication issues fixed. Step up and be the man that rallies the team together gets them focused on the challenges ahead. Challenges like beating the Falcons.