UPDATE: The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Buffalo Bills, with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz emphasizing the immense challenge of tackling quarterback Josh Allen. In an urgent statement, Schwartz compared Allen’s running style to that of Derrick Henry, highlighting the physicality and size they both bring to the field.
As the Browns prepare, Schwartz noted that Allen leads the Bills with 12 rushing touchdowns and ranks second on the team with 535 rushing yards, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. “To our players, it’s a lot like trying to tackle Derrick Henry,” Schwartz asserted. “There’s not a whole lot of difference in the size of those two guys.”
With the Bills boasting the second-best rushing offense in the league, averaging 158.5 rushing yards per game, Schwartz has put his defense on high alert. He stated, “If we don’t get it corrected, we won’t stand a chance in this game.” This urgent call to action comes after the Browns’ run defense slipped to 14th in the NFL, allowing 184 yards against the Titans and 142 yards against the Bears just last week.
Schwartz underscored the importance of stopping the run, saying, “Defenses are judged by your ability to tackle and stop drives.” He warned that if Myles Garrett hopes to break the NFL single-season sack record of 22.5, the Browns must first control the ground game. “If Buffalo runs it 60 times, you’re not going to get any sacks,” he cautioned.
On the emotional front, safety Grant Delpit opened up about the toll of the Browns’ recent losses. Reflecting on the struggles, he said, “It hurts. Everybody wants to win. It’s obvious. And when it’s not working, it’s not fun.” Delpit draws parallels to former Browns player Joe Thomas, who faced emotional challenges during his later career.
“All this is going to make the glory better in the end,” Delpit added, emphasizing the need for resilience despite the team’s current standing. As the Browns prepare for a challenging stretch of games, he urged his teammates to showcase their true character on the field.
In terms of player availability, tight end David Njoku and cornerback Denzel Ward were among six players who did not practice on Thursday, creating additional uncertainty for the team. However, guard Teven Jenkins and Joel Bitonio returned to practice after missing previous sessions, offering a glimmer of hope for the Browns.
As the countdown to game day continues, the Browns face a pivotal moment in their season. The stakes are high, and fans are eagerly watching to see if the team can rise to the occasion against a formidable Bills squad. Stay tuned for live updates as this developing story unfolds.
