The Cleveland Browns defensive woes have been on display for this team two games into the season. Have played the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, two teams that don’t have big expectations for this upcoming season. The Carolina Panthers on Sunday only scored 19 points and at one point when playing the Browns only had a total of 16 yards. In addition, there were three busted plays that gained the Panthers the bulk of their offensive yardage. The New York Jets the week before only scored 9 points.
Fourth Quarters
In the fourth quarter so far this season the Browns have given up the most points. The Cleveland Browns defense has the 26th-ranked defensive efficiency in the NFL. According to pro-football-focus, the Browns defense is ranked 26th in points allowed. The Browns have allowed 55 points through the first two games. Cleveland has given up the most points in the fourth quarter so far this season. Heading into the fourth quarter during the Panthers game, the Browns led the game 20-7 and won the game 26-24. Similarly, going into the fourth quarter of the Jets game the Browns led 17-14. As well with 1:55 left they led 30-17 but lost 31-30. This defense has given up 5 touchdowns in the fourth quarter so far this season.
Mis-Communication
Miscommunication has been the buzzword with this defense so far two games into the season. In other words, the secondary is confused about what is supposed to happen on the field in certain moments. In two games the Browns have given up long touchdowns. One for 75 yards and another for 65 yards. Both touchdowns get the opposition back into the game. The explanation for the two late touchdowns was a miscommunication. John Johnson III said after the game Sunday “it’s about giving and receiving. Denzel Ward says that it’s guys not knowing the play call.
Who’s To Blame?
Who is to really blame for the Browns late game collapse? Hearing from the player’s press conference on Tuesday multiple people who made mistakes in the final minutes take the blame for the loss. From the likes of Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, and Denzel Ward. The main cooperate should be Joe Woods the defensive coordinator. It starts at the top. If the secondary is having a hard time communicating then he should find a way to correct it for the players. Myles Garrett has some Blame as well, being the leader of the defense he should’ve had a bigger impact. The entire secondary needs to hold each other accountable and get on the same page.
Defensive Solutions
Above all the Cleveland Browns secondary must talk pre-snap and be on the same page at all times. It could become easier to find hand signals so everyone knows what the coverage and play it is. Anthony Walker is the starting middle linebacker but is often rotated in and out with Jacob Phillips. Walker is the signal caller on the defense and when isn’t on the field bad things happen. Walker should be on the field as the green dot to sure up communication. Pro-football-focus has JOK and Anthony Walker ranked as the number 1 and 3 linebackers in the NFL. As well this defense needs to finish games. Lastly so far into the season have allowed 21 points in the second and fourth quarters. Which says they do not finish well. Allowing scores before the half and at the end of games. Finally, the Cleveland Browns need more vocal leaders and should add some if they don’t feel they have them.