Struggling Browns defense has a tough stretch ahead of them

So far the Cleveland Browns defense has not played up to expectations and the schedule ahead doesn’t get any easier for them.

The Cleveland Browns are staring at a 2-2 record after the first month of the season and the defensive performances have not been what most expected. There have been some moments and some things have gotten better but in another game where late in the game the defense fell apart.

This week against the Falcons the team was without some of their star players, which means something, but the depth on the defensive line did not show up. Three of the starters, including Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, were out and their impact can’t be undersold. But when a team is able to score a touchdown on a drive without throwing a pass, there is a call for concern.

The next four games aren’t getting easier they face three great quarterbacks in the next four contests — seeing Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow before the bye week. Coverage was better against the Falcons but if they are unable to slow down the run it’ll make things really tough coverage-wise.

Right now Lamar Jackson is playing some of the best football of his career and likely will exploit the Browns in the run game. Herbert is battling injury but looked pretty effective in the Chargers’ Week 4 game as they dropped 34-points in a win.

The Browns have the talent, when healthy, but if they continue to struggle with adjustments late in the game the season will not have a positive outcome.