Browns Run Defense Faces Ultimate Test Against NFL’s Top Rushing Attack in Buffalo

The Cleveland Browns’ season now hinges on their defense. That unit faces its toughest challenge yet this Sunday. They travel to Buffalo to play the Bills in a critical Week 16 matchup. The game kicks off at Highmark Stadium.

According to ESPN, the Bills lead the entire NFL in rushing this season. Cleveland’s run defense, recently vulnerable, must find immediate answers. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has made fixing it the top priority.

Cleveland’s Defensive Stumble Ahead of Buffalo Showdown

The Browns’ defensive identity took a hit last week. They were dominated 31-3 by the Chicago Bears. Chicago’s offense ran for 142 total yards on the ground.

Running back D’Andre Swift averaged 5.4 yards per carry. He scored two touchdowns. The performance was a stark departure from the team’s early-season strength.

Stefanski addressed the issue directly this week. “We take pride in our run defense,” he stated. “We obviously need to get back to that level with our group.” The statement was reported by local journalist Tony Grossi.

Bills Present a Formidable Ground Challenge

The Buffalo Bills present an even greater challenge. They average a league-leading 158.5 rushing yards per game. This makes two straight weeks facing the NFL’s top two ground attacks.

Buffalo’s success is multifaceted. Star quarterback Josh Allen is a constant running threat. Running back James Cook provides explosive plays from the backfield.

Stopping them requires disciplined containment. The Browns’ front seven, led by Myles Garrett, must set hard edges. Forcing Allen to throw to his average receivers is the optimal strategy.

The Impact of a Key Absence on the Line

Cleveland’s struggles correlate with a significant injury. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins landed on Injured Reserve last month. He suffered a quadriceps injury.

Collins was a foundational piece against the run. His absence has created noticeable gaps in the defensive interior. The team has struggled to fill that void consistently.

Despite recent issues, the unit remains middling statistically. They rank 14th in the NFL, allowing 110.1 rushing yards per game. Reaching that average against Buffalo would be a major victory.

The Cleveland Browns run defense must deliver a signature performance to keep playoff hopes alive. A failure to contain Buffalo’s potent ground game will likely end their season. This weekend’s clash is a true gut-check for Jim Schwartz’s unit.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How good is the Bills’ rushing offense?

The Buffalo Bills have the best rushing attack in the NFL this season. They lead the league with an average of 158.5 yards per game. Their offense is built around the dual-threat ability of Josh Allen and running back James Cook.

Q2: What happened to the Browns’ run defense recently?

They were badly exposed in a Week 15 loss to Chicago. The Bears ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns. The absence of injured defensive tackle Maliek Collins has been a key factor in their decline.

Q3: Who are the key Browns defenders to watch?

Defensive end Myles Garrett is always the focal point. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger will also be critical in tracking the run. The entire defensive front must play with more gap discipline.

Q4: Why is this game so important for Cleveland?

The Browns’ playoff chances are on life support. Another loss would effectively eliminate them from contention. Their defense, the team’s strength, must carry them to a win in a tough environment.

Q5: What is the main strategy to stop the Bills?

The primary goal is containing Josh Allen in the pocket. Force him to beat them with his arm instead of his legs. Making the Bills one-dimensional is Cleveland’s best path to victory.