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.
2. Grant Delpit, Safety
It’s great to see Grant Delpit on the field after having a number of injuries through his first two seasons in the NFL, but he has been a liability in the secondary at times this season. Delpit has been somewhat effective in the run game this year, as he has only missed one tackle thus far, but he has work to do in pass coverage.
Delpit has been targeted 13 times this year, of which quarterbacks are 8-of-13 with 98 yards and three touchdowns. Delpit has also blown coverages in late-game situations, such as the Corey Davis touchdown in their Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets.
His biggest issue this season has been consistency, as he’ll follow up a great tackle with a blown coverage or poor angle on the next play.
Unfortunately, the Browns don’t have a lot of depth at safety, and Ronnie Harrison, Jr. is still asked to play in three safety sets at times. Benching Grant Delpit in favor of Harrison is likely not the answer, but Delpit should consider himself on the hot seat. If his coverage woes continue in the coming weeks, the Browns may be forced to utilize D’Anthony Bell and Harrison more often or address the position through free agency.
1. Jacob Phillips, Linebacker
Jacob Phillips has not exactly stepped up the last couple of weeks in place of the injured Anthony Walker Jr. In fact, Phillips has been a big part of the problem when it comes to the team’s awful run defense in recent weeks.
He has continuously struggled with pursuit and run fits, as he makes very little impact in the run game. The Browns’ stance on Jacob Phillips became quite clear when they traded for Falcons LB Deion Jones immediately after their Week 5 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jones has an impressive resume in his seven-year NFL career, totaling over 600 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, and one Pro Bowl appearance. He has proven to be effective in the run game, while also having one of the highest linebacker coverage grades in recent years during his 2017 season:
In 2017 #Falcons LB Deion Jones (@debo) earned the best coverage grade among qualifying LBs with a 91.1. He dropped into coverage more than any other LB and was tied for 2nd with 7 pass breakups. He was top 10 in both yards/coverage snap and passer rating allowed!!! #RiseUp
— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) May 13, 2019
He should soon step in at middle linebacker for Phillips, and Phillips should be shifted back to the role he had at the beginning of the season. The young LSU product has some potential, but he has proved over the last couple of weeks that he is simply not ready to be the starting middle linebacker on this defense.
Expect to see his snap counts steadily diminish in the upcoming few weeks, which is disappointing but necessary.