4 Browns whose stock crashed in heartbreaking loss to Chiefs

3. Tackling

Play a team like the Chiefs and you can’t afford to give up yards. Plus, nobody thought the Browns defense was actually going to stop Patrick Mahomes when he was on the field, but Cleveland’s miscues didn’t help.

Kevin Johnson, back after two weeks on the COVID/Reserve list, had ROUGH time with Tyreek Hill, tackling and coverage wise.

Fellow corner Denzel Ward got plowed by Travis Kelce into another teammate. Granted, it’s no contest with the hulking tight end muscling the small corner–the imagery was bad.

And then there was Sione Takitaki, who missed what should’ve been an easy sideline tackle on the Chiefs’ first drive.

Additionally, who could forget M.J. Stewart pushing a Chiefs receiver toward his end zone?

And the grand finale, I know no one is going to spy old man Henne on 3rd and 14, but not one Browns could track him down? Give up plays like that, and you’ve sealed your fate.

Fortunately, help is coming on defense, as the Browns are poised to invest heavily in the unit this offseason. While it’s early, look for the Browns to commit early-round picks to the defense in an effort to get faster.