Cleveland's Defense Against Case Keenum and The Texans
The final step for this Browns defense to be considered an all-time great group is figuring out a way to dominate on the road.
Cleveland's home and away defensive splits are polar opposites of each other. At home, the Browns' defense is one of the best of all time. They stifle opponent's run games only giving up 3.4 yards per carry and through the air they hold the visitor to 4.5 yards per attempt. It took eight games for the visiting team to eclipse 1,000 yards passing against the Browns defense at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
When Cleveland is on the road, the story changes. In two less away games, they have given up more than 400 more total yards to the opponent and it is accomplished both on the ground and through the air. The opponent's rushing attack averages 4.4 yards per carry good for nine touchdowns on the year. In the air, they average 8.2 yards per attempt and have 10 touchdowns on the season.
While the numbers are still good, Cleveland's defense is much worse on the road than at home.
Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) rushes past Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns can begin to change that narrative on Sunday facing a Texans offense that is badly injured.
The headliner is CJ Stroud will miss his second game due to a concussion that he suffered in New York a couple of weeks ago. Stroud was legitimately in the MVP discussion as the young rookie was having a great season.
Our old friend Case Keenum will quarterback the Texans. While he is not the dynamic thrower that Stroud is, Keenum is three-and-zero in his last three starts and can lead the Texans.
Texans number one receiver Tank Dell was lost for the season a few weeks back but his replacements have done the job. Noah Brown and Nico Collins have been bright spots in relief of Dell. Collins is over 1,000 yards receiving in just 12 games played on the year. Two deep threats that the Browns will have to stop.
Houston's rushing attack is good, not great. It will feature two backs, Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce. Combined, the duo has over 1,000 yards rushing and averages just north of 80 yards per game. Singeltary will get the lion's share of the carries.
The challenge for Cleveland will be shutting down the Texans' passing game. The playmakers that Houston has on the outsides are game changers so the Cleveland secondary must be ready.
It won't just be on the secondary to stop the passing game. The Browns' defensive line could wreck this game and make life hard on Case Keenum.
The Cleveland defense will have its hands full on Sunday. Jim Schwartz and the entire group will be up for the challenge.
