5 Cleveland Browns that have disappointed in the first 8 games
By Greg Newland
No. 4 – Jordan Elliott
One of the glaring holes for Cleveland coming into this season was defensive tackle. Many had high hopes that Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai would both take huge steps, but so far neither has. With Togiai only in year two, it’s more explainable, but with Elliott entering year three, his clock is ticking.
Taven Bryan has stepped up and been a solid pass-rushing force up the middle, but the Browns need a big, bodied guy to stuff running lanes. Why teams stop running it right up the gut on their defense is beyond me as Elliott is constantly getting pushed around.
The Browns have gone the athletic route at linebacker which makes this disappointment even bigger. With Elliott getting moved around constantly and not filling gaps, these linebackers are constantly fighting off blocks. For this defense to be successful, these linebackers need to be able to run free to make plays.
If this defense wants to continue to make strides at being a top-five unit in the league, they are going to have to figure out a way to stop the run. If things stay the way they are, as soon as the opponent gets a lead a team can just consistently run the clock out.
Elliott has the skill and talent to improve, he just needs to remain disciplined.