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Cleveland Browns: Progress Still Leads To 4 Browns In The Dawg House

By Jamyson Frierson

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dawg Pound flag after a touchdown during the first quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dawg Pound flag after a touchdown during the first quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Carl Nassib (94), defensive linemen Danny Shelton (55) and Nick Hayden (71) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Carl Nassib (94), defensive linemen Danny Shelton (55) and Nick Hayden (71) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Defensive Line

For the past few weeks, the defensive line has played good.

Danny Shelton finally was able to get off the block and make a play. Tyrone Holmes got pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, and Jamie Meder was always around the ball–along with others contributing. It looked like they finally had continuity as a unit.

That changed on Sunday. The line couldn’t get any kind of push on the Redskins offensive line. We’re not talking the hogs of the early 90’s either. They played like they don’t know what a bull-rush, swim/spin move or rip is. They either got pushed back, or they rushed only to get stopped while Kirk Cousins had plenty of time.

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It’s clear that Cleveland missed Carl Nassib containing the edge and rushing the passer. Armonty Bryant was re-instated by the NFL on Monday, but the Browns released him. He was the only true pass rusher left on the team.

The secondary and linebackers played a good game. They amassed two sacks and one interception. The defensive line, zero. It’s been the team’s problem just as long as quarterback has. From Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Kamerion Wimbley, etc, it’s been nothing but failures.

Shelton was getting manhandled in double teams, and was late on every play. After being drafted high by the previous regime, he’s been a monumental disappointment.

It doesn’t get any easier as they’ll be facing the return of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. They don’t have a great offensive line, but having Brady back is reason enough. They’re going to have to get pressure on him if the Browns stand any chance.

It will be worst enough seeing the return of Jabaal Sheard. This line has to get a pass rush or the game will be over before it started.

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