3 areas where the Browns need to improve in Week 6

No. 1: The defense must contain the opposing team’s rushing attack

It is not a secret that the Browns have struggled defensively throughout the first five games, more so in the run game. Last week was one of the worst performances from this unit in recent memory.

The Chargers came into the Week 5 contest with 258 total rushing yards through the first four weeks. Against Cleveland, they pounded the rock for 238 yards, led by Austin Ekeler, who finished with a career-best 173 yards. A week prior against Atlanta, the Browns allowed 202 rushing yards.

That is completely unacceptable for a defense that is said to be loaded with talent. With that said, the Browns do lack the talent at the defensive tackle position, an area that general manager Andrew Berry has been negligent in.

While it might not happen this season, defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ seat is heating up by the week. After the first month-plus of the season, one has to wonder if the defense is fixable.

The short answer is yes, but patience amongst the fan base is growing extremely thin. Star EDGE rusher Myles Garrett, who is not putting up the greatest sack numbers, is not helping much in stopping the run either. As the leader of this team, he must step up and lead this team to stop the run or Sunday could get out of hand.

New England comes into Week 5 with the NFL’s ninth-best rushing attack, averaging 138 yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. Last week against the Lions, the Patriots racked up 176 yards on the ground, led by Rhamondre Stevenson’s 161 yards. If the defense cannot figure their issues out this week, Stevenson could run wild yet again.

After Sunday’s loss to the Chargers, Berry traded for Deion Jones, previously of the Falcons. Whether or not he will play Sunday after spending the first five weeks on the IR is unknown at this time, he should be able to come in and help this defense stop the run.