Dawgs By Nature
Lack of talent is a major issue for the Browns roster
The Cleveland Browns had an issue stopping the run in 2024. They ended up 21st in the league in run defense and allowed an average of 4.5 yards per carry. That means what is typical, after two plays the other team is facing a third-and-one.
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The Browns’ defense was third worst in rushing touchdowns allowing 22 scores via the run. Cleveland allowed the most runs of 20+ yards. That’s dead last if you are keeping score. They allowed the second-most runs of 40+ yards. The fifth-longest touchdown romp of the year was against, who? The Browns. The lone shining light is Cleveland’s defense was ranked fourth in denying runs for first downs with a low 22.1%.
So, what gives? Why are the Browns so bad against stopping the run?
The truth, or would you prefer to be lied to? The actuality is that the defensive tackle group has issues, especially up the middle.
This year, this happened to this Cleveland defense numerous times. 152 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders. Baltimore had 124 yards followed by 220 in the season finale. Washington 215 yards. The New Orleans Saints put up 214 yards. Kansas City Chiefs had 132 yards.
Part of the problem is the 4-2-5 defense that DC Jim Schwartz would implement on occasion because it takes out a valued run-stopper at middle linebacker and instead inserts another defensive back - usually another safety. The two linebackers that remain are positioned in gaps instead of having center responsibility which will open run lanes.
The other issue with a porous middle is the players themselves.
Middle linebacker Jordan Hicks was signed as a monster tackler having five consecutive seasons with 100+ tackles including 150 in 2019. Yet, he only played in 12 games and recorded 78 total tackles which transpire to an average of just 6.5 tackles per game.
Next, and most importantly, is the defensive tackle group.
At the beginning of the 2023 free agency period, Browns GM Andrew Berry’s big splash was signing DT Dalvin Tomlinson (6’-3”, 325 pounds) away from the Minnesota Vikings to the tune of $57 million with a four-year deal. He had 49+ tackles in his first four years in the league, yet has tallied a mere 28 and 26 in his two seasons in Cleveland. Tomlinson did elevate some personal stats and had career highs this past year in pressures (20), knockdowns (14), and QB hits (18). But tackles in the run game are lacking.
At an average annual salary of $14.25 million, for the two seasons with the Browns Tomlinson is making $263,888 per tackle. Where is the application to apply for that job? In 2024, he only had three games in which he had three tackles while for the remainder of the schedule, he had fewer. Yeah, marinate on that for a second.
In film study, Tomlinson, age 30, is seen being pushed out...
