The Cleveland Browns have their work cut out for them ahead of Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their offensive concerns aren't anything new, but we've rarely seen the defense get outclassed like it did against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener.
While some regression and an adjustment period without Myles Garrett were to be expected, especially with a new defensive coordinator, last week's performance was baffling. Execution was sloppy with 17 missed tackles, and the linebacking corps was particularly bad — particularly against the pass.
All told, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Carson Schwesinger, and Quincy Williams combined to allow seven receptions on eight targets for 104 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars. Williams was the weakest link, giving up 59 yards and starring in a now-viral clip of him standing statuesque for multiple seconds before finally moving on one Trevor Lawrence pass.
That won't cut it.
Cleveland's linebackers can't afford another coverage disaster against the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers boast a strong offensive line, and even a talented pass-rushing duo of Jared Verse on the outside and Mason Graham along the interior should have a tough time getting to Baker Mayfield in this one. Even if the Browns do apply pressure, Mayfield's pretty efficient at getting the ball out quickly on checkdowns and other short-area passes.
That should put Cleveland's linebackers to the test, not only by trying to contain big gains once the receiver gets to the second level, but also by keeping them from getting the ball in the first place. The Browns have to be more active with their hands at the catch point, and their pursuit angles also left plenty to be desired in Week 1.
Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg has been under heavy fire since Week 1, and rightly so. There was a high standard on defense in Berea, and there were major questions about how a first-time play-caller would fare as Jim Schwartz's replacement.
Nevertheless, the coach can only do so much. It's up to the players to execute.
Williams was supposed to bring energy to the group, yet he was often on the wrong side of a big play in Week 1. As for Schwesinger, he's usually pretty good in coverage, so this might have just been a case of him being rusty after missing extensive time in the preseason.
Whatever the case, improved play at the second level of the defense should be a point of emphasis for Cleveland against the Bucs and crafty wideouts Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. The Browns have to get back to doing what they do, and that's wreaking havoc on defense.
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