3 Browns on the Hot Seat Over Final Four Games of Season

2. James Hudson, OT

With Dawand Jones being a late scratch after re-aggravating a knee injury, James Hudson started at right tackle. On the whole, the line kept Joe Flacco rather clean in the pocket but there were still some issues that need to be addressed, especially with the news that Jones is now out for the rest of the season. The primary one is penalties.

Both Hudson and left tackle Geron Christian were hit with multiple flags but one of those on Christian seemed to be a questionable call. For Hudson, however, his were plain as day. The third-year left tackle was penalized three times for a false start, backing up his offense in the process.

Throughout the year, Cleveland has been guilty of ill-timed penalties that kill promising drives. It also seems as though the O-line gives up pressure at the worst possible times and is struggling to consistently open up running lanes.

Considering the number of injuries, it’s difficult to be too hard on them. Having said that, this isn’t always a case of the player being overmatched but rather the player getting in his own way. That’s been the case with Hudson and if he doesn’t turn it around in a hurry, he could be in danger of being replaced in 2024.