Browns face test of defence and run game in Panthers home opener
Cleveland hosts Carolina on Sunday, with the Browns seeking to limit a productive passing attack and improve a ground game that struggled against Tampa Bay.
The Cleveland Browns host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in their home opener, with defensive execution and Cleveland’s run game among the main issues facing the team.
Yahoo Sports reports Carolina has averaged 35.5 points and 312.5 passing yards across its opening two games, including 10 passes of 20 yards or more. Cleveland’s defence has not allowed a 300-yard passer in 47 consecutive games, but conceded six completions of at least 20 yards in its first two games.
Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg said the Browns needed to keep improving their preparation and execution from week to week. He described that work as a season-long effort, with the goal of playing better than the previous week.
Cleveland beat Tampa Bay last week, and its defence stopped the Buccaneers on their final drive. The Browns’ ground game averaged 1.9 yards per carry in that match, down from four yards per carry against Jacksonville in Week 1.
Yahoo Sports reports quarterback Deshaun Watson is Cleveland’s leading rusher, while running back Quinshon Judkins is averaging 2.3 yards per carry. The source text ends during its discussion of the run game, leaving further coaching comments unavailable.
