Browns Defense Faces Critical Challenge Against Bills’ Dominant Rushing Attack
The Cleveland Browns’ defense is currently in a precarious position, struggling to contain opposing run games in recent weeks. Over the last two games, the Browns have surrendered a staggering 31 points in each matchup, resulting in two disappointing losses. The Tennessee Titans exploited this weakness, amassing 184 rushing yards, with running back Tony Pollard contributing 161 of those yards and scoring twice. The following week, the Chicago Bears added to the woes, rushing for 142 yards, highlighted by De’Andre Swift’s impressive 98 yards and two touchdowns.
As the Browns prepare to face the formidable Buffalo Bills, they find themselves up against the league’s most potent rushing offense. “If we don’t get it corrected, we won’t stand a chance in this game,” emphasized Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Buffalo’s Rushing Threat
Leading the charge for Buffalo is running back James Cook, who currently ranks second in the NFL with 1,415 rushing yards and has crossed the end zone 10 times this season. Cook’s explosive running style allows him to average an impressive 5.22 yards per carry. His agility and speed enable him to evade defenders in tight spaces, often breaking off substantial gains.
Adding to the challenge is quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning league MVP. Allen has tallied 535 rushing yards and a staggering 12 touchdowns this season, both leading the league among quarterbacks. His unique combination of power and speed allows him to navigate tough yardage situations while maintaining the awareness to exploit gaps in the defense. Collectively, the Bills have accumulated 2,219 rushing yards this season, the highest total in the NFL.
Defensive Line Struggles
The primary concern for the Browns has been the performance of their defensive line. The season-ending injury to Maliek Collins has left a significant void, and Alex Wright’s ongoing injury has compounded the problem. As a result, the Browns’ front has struggled to generate the push needed to disrupt opposing running plays, leading to gaping holes for ball carriers.
Carson Schwesinger has emerged as a rare bright spot, recording a total of 27 tackles across the last two games. However, the rest of the line has fallen short, with Devin Bush and Mohamoud Diabate contributing only 11 and 12 tackles, respectively. Grant Delpit, anticipated to be a key player in the secondary, has managed just seven tackles, highlighting the need for improvement across the board.
Strategies for Success
To have any chance of slowing down the Bills’ high-octane offense, the Browns must prioritize limiting significant gains on the ground. Additionally, the pass rush must be disciplined, especially with Myles Garrett entering the game as just 1.5 sacks away from breaking the NFL record.
In a previous matchup against another mobile quarterback, Lamar Jackson, the Browns demonstrated effective lane discipline in their rush, keeping the quarterback contained in the pocket. This approach is crucial against Allen, who thrives on taking off when given an opportunity. By maintaining that discipline, the Browns can force Allen into tough situations, either taking hits or making poor decisions.
As the team gears up for this formidable challenge, the defense must rise to the occasion. A successful outing against the Bills could provide the Browns with a much-needed boost, potentially setting the stage for a stronger finish to the season and a more confident offseason.
