Cleveland might have pulled off a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, but let’s be real: the run game was a complete mess, sputtering along at just 1.9 yards per carry. Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s performance, thankfully “not being a complete disaster,” is still under the microscope after arriving in town with what some are calling “diminishing skills.” That’s a rough phrase for any QB, let alone one with his contract.
The Defense Is Grinding, But Big Plays Could Derail It
The Browns’ defense did step up big time in the fourth quarter against the Buccaneers, stopping them cold on their final drive. But facing the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, with their surprisingly effective offense averaging 35.5 points per game and Bryce Young at the helm, it’s a whole new challenge. Carolina averages 312.5 passing yards and has already ripped off 10 pass plays of 20 or more yards, which is the second most in the league.
Cleveland’s defense hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passer in an incredible 47 consecutive games. That’s a serious streak! However, they’ve also been burned by the big play already this season, giving up six completions of 20 yards or more through their first two games. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg knows the grind is real. He talks about the defensive foundation being “heart, mind, fist.” He said the heart and fist were there, and they’ve committed to improving the mind, both coaches and players. “It’s about all of us working our asses off each week, grinding, making this Thursday better than last Thursday, making this meeting that we’re coming up to better than the last meeting, getting this game better than the last game,” Rutenberg emphasized. He knows this league is a marathon, and they are only in week three.
The Run Game Is Collapsing, And Watson Is The Top Rusher?
Remember Week 1 against Jacksonville when the run game looked workable, averaging four yards per carry? Yeah, that feels like ancient history after last week’s abysmal 1.9 yards per carry against the Buccaneers. It’s so bad that Watson is currently the team’s leading rusher, a totally unsustainable situation for any team. Even their No. 1 running back, Quinshon Judkins, is only managing a measly 2.3 yards per carry.
Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer is clearly searching for answers, saying he’s looking at “every aspect” of the run game and everyone involved. He even admitted, “Certainly, there was a play too, from the game the other day where I’m looking at it like, you know what, I didn’t put us in a great position there.” When the coordinator is taking responsibility, you know things are dire.
This Sunday, the Browns open their home schedule against those high-flying Panthers. The defense needs to keep Rutenberg’s “heart, mind, fist” mentality going against Young’s squad, but the offense absolutely has to find some answers for that run game. If Watson is still the leading rusher after this weekend, Cleveland is in for a long, tough season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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