Cleveland Browns Defense Gashed in Loss to Raiders
By Joe Russo
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) breaks the tackles of Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) and Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
About the Browns
When you face a quarterback like Derek Carr, you have to apply pressure. The Browns didn’t just fail to register a sack, they failed to register a single QB hit. Not one. With an array of weapons at his disposal, Derek Carr was able to pick apart the vaunted Browns secondary at will. Right now, opposing teams only have to block Paul Kruger. Against a below average line, the Browns needed better and no one stepped up.
It was also another rough day for Joe Haden, who at this rate will have a hard time justifying his contract and standing in the league. He has been beaten week after week now in man coverage. On one play, Cooper shrugged off Haden’s half-attempt at press coverage and caught a deep out on the sidelines. Maybe Haden is hiding an injury (he did leave the game for a stretch) or maybe Haden’s lack of size is starting to cause problems, but something has to change. Haden is relied upon to cover the top receiver from opposing teams, but if they score at will, this defense is in for a long season.
Lastly, enough with the boos and “Johnny” chants. Yes, McCown struggled at times early. But he executed the game plan and performed admirably through the afternoon. All you do by chanting for the backup is perpetuate the cycle of bad Browns quarterback play. The position is already a revolving door.
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