3 Browns who need less playing time on defense in Week 6
By Kyler Blasing
The Cleveland Browns suffered another disappointing loss in Week 5, as they lost 30-28 at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. The game was not at all unfamiliar to Browns fans, as they witnessed their defense collapse once again blowing a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Cleveland still had a chance to pull away with a win, but Cade York missed what would’ve been a 54-yard game-winning field goal.
Cleveland’s defense was unable to stop the run, as the Los Angeles Chargers ran for 238 yards, despite the fact that they had the worst rushing offense in the NFL heading into Week 5. They’ve now allowed 440 rushing yards over the past two weeks, and the calls for Joe Woods’ job are growing louder by the day.
Some players on the defensive side of the ball are simply becoming liabilities, and personnel changes need to be made. Here is a look at some defensive players who need less playing time as the Browns head toward midseason.
3 Browns who need less playing time on defense in Week 6
3. Jordan Elliot and Tommy Togiai, Defensive Tackles
The Cleveland Browns need to make a change at defensive tackle. It’s not only the weakest group on their roster, but it is also the worst defensive tackle group in the NFL.
In fact, Jordan Elliot and Tommy Togiai are the two worst defensive tackles in the NFL according to their PFF rankings. Perrion Winfrey has shown some promise in his limited snaps, but throwing a rookie defensive tackle in the game for a majority of snaps isn’t the answer.
There are plenty of veteran defensive tackles available in free agency, such as Sheldon Richardson, Brandon Williams, and Linval Joseph. They should all still be targeted, even with the addition of Tyeler Davison. The Browns have the most available cap space in the NFL, and it’s time they utilize it in order to strengthen this struggling defense.
The interior of this defense needs help more than any other group, and a veteran defensive tackle is a piece they need to sure up their run defense.