Worried about defense as all coaching staff are tested – Cleveland Browns Pregame Scribbles

CLEVELAND, Ohio – As the Browns play in Tennessee, here are some worried pre-game scribbles.

1. Yes, this game worries me. That’s because the attack on the Titans (and the defense of the Browns) both worry me. Even if the Browns had Denzel Ward (calf) and Ronnie Harrison (shoulder) on the court, I’d be worried. Even if Myles Garrett were 100% physically instead of having a physically exhausting experience with COVID-19, I would be concerned.

2. I’m worried because Tennessee can take a quick lead, and suddenly the Browns will feel the urge to start pitching all over the court. It will be a test for head coach and calling Kevin Stefanski. The two games where I thought he lost his starting mentality first were the losses to Pittsburgh (38-7) and Baltimore (38-6).

3. Stefanski will therefore be tested, especially if the Titans take a 10 point lead. It can happen because I don’t see the defense capable of countering the Titans.

4. If the Titans were just running the ball with Derrick Henry (1,257 rushing yards), that would be a tall order. But the other concern is Ryan Tannehill, who has emerged in the top 10 for QBs.

5. What does the Browns’ defense do best? Force reversals. Here’s the problem: Tennessee has committed five turnovers all season. It is the least in the NFL. Tannehill has 23 touchdown passes compared to four interceptions. The Titans lost only one fumble.

6. The Browns need one of those game-changing strip sack games from Garrett. He’s had four this season. But Garrett spoke of fatigue and virus issues, admitting “it kicked me in the ass.” Garrett said he was “fine. … I returned.”

7. Garrett insisted he plans to play a lot, “and I don’t think there will be a drop.” If that’s true, the Browns stand a chance. Especially if defensive end Olivier Vernon can maintain his recent game. Vernon had three sacks and tackled Carson Wentz of Philadelphia for a safety. It was two weeks ago. Last week he had no sacks but a pair of hits on Jacksonville’s Mike Glennon.

8. The Browns have a lot of money on the defensive line. I’m talking about Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi, Adrian Clayborn with Vernon and Garrett. They not only have to put pressure on the QB, but defend the race.

9. Tannehill has been sacked 16 times. Baker Mayfield has been sacked 17 times. These two offenses are similar in terms of power racing play, zone blocking pattern, and reasonably good QB protection. The difference is that Tannehill is the sixth passer in the NFL.

10. The Titans have two game receivers in AJ Brown and Corey Davis. Tight end Jonnu Smith caught seven TD assists but is injured. As Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods said, “It’s all going (Henry). They operate at a high level. When you’re worried about stopping execution, you create larger (transient) windows. … (Tannehill) does a great job of making the plays he needs when he decides to throw it.

11. OK, you get the point. The Browns’ defense will likely have a long afternoon. But as one executive told me, Tennessee is vulnerable. The game of their special teams has been a mess at times. Their defense is decent, but not great.

12. The Titans’ coaching staff have been praising the Browns all week, especially Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The Titans are ranked No.1 in the race, the Browns No.2. Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel mentioned that Hunt and Chubb don’t fumble. The same is true of Henry.

13. The Browns need control of the game on offense, long practices that eat away at time and prevent the Cleveland defense from staying on the field. Tennessee has lost three games. The Steelers (27-24) and Colts (34-17) beat them. Both are winning teams. But they also lost 31-20 to the Bengals while Joe Burrow still played QB.

14. In other words, it’s not the undefeated Steelers. Four times this season, the Titans have given up at least 30 points. This is how the Browns can win. They need Chubb and Hunt to dominate the field with Mayfield connecting on timely passes. The Tennessee defense allows more yards (394) than Cleveland (372).

15. For the Browns to win, they need one of those 35-30 shootouts. Cleveland has scored at least 30 points in five games this season. But I don’t have a good feeling about this game. My prediction: Titans 31, Browns 20.

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