3 burning questions for Cleveland Browns to answer against Philadelphia Eagles (2024)

BEREA — The Browns are going back to the I-95 corridor. They can only hope it turns out better than last weekend's trip there.

Cleveland, which lost 34-13 at the Washington Commanders last Sunday, heads to Philadelphia this Sunday looking to snap what has tied for the second-longest losing streak of the Kevin Stefanski era, a three-game skid that leaves it 1-4, the worst start under the two-time NFL Coach of the Year. The Browns will try to do so against an Eagles team that's 2-2 and coming off a bye week.

At this point, there's nothing but questions about this Browns team, both short-term and long-term. Right now, the biggest question is this: Can they just win a game?

Well, to win this specific game in Philadelphia, the Browns need to answer these three questions. Let's dive into them.

Can the Cleveland Browns finally take advantage of a bad defense?

3 burning questions for Cleveland Browns to answer against Philadelphia Eagles (1)

This isn't the Eagles defense you remember from even a couple of years ago. Philadelphia ranks in the 20s in the four major statistical categories: Total yards (27th, 365.8), rush defense (21st, 128.8), pass defense (25th, 237.0) and points per game (22nd, 24.0).

The Browns offense, though, ranks in the 30s in three of the four major categories: 32nd in total yards (239.4), 30th in pass offense (142.8) and points per game (15.8). They're a red-hot 27th in rush offense (96.6).

There's no idea yet if the Browns will have running back Nick Chubb back for this game. But that's probably irrelevant, because what they need is a much better version of quarterback Deshaun Watson than the one who's ranked at or near the bottom is several categories.

No, it hasn't been all on Watson for the Browns' offensive struggles. However, the universal refrain of "the quarterback is the most important position in football" can't be true and the weight of the struggles not fall on the quarterback's shoulders.

Regardless of where one wants to point the blame, the reality is that another dismal performance from the offense against what has been a shell of the former Eagles defense will have to lead to serious conversations about some kind of shake-up on that side of the ball. There's no other way to view the circumstances.

Can the Cleveland Browns offensive line handle the Philadelphia Eagles' 'Georgia guys' at defensive tackle?

3 burning questions for Cleveland Browns to answer against Philadelphia Eagles (2)

The Eagles defense hasn't been statistically great this season, but those stats run counter to the talent accrued — specifically, the talented pair of former University of Georgia defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

Carter is second on Philadelphia's defense with 13 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Davis has not been quite as productive statistically, but remains a stout presence in the middle.

The Browns have faced a string of strong defensive tackles — the New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence, the Las Vegas Raiders' Christian Wilkins and the Washington duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. And now you can add the former Georgia standouts in Philadelphia.

The problem for Cleveland has been its interior offensive line, specifically rookie right guard Zak Zinter — who's started the last two games in place of the injured Wyatt Teller — and center Ethan Pocic. Pocic, who is battling a knee injury, has allowed a team-high 17 pressures while Zinter has given up six, and both have allowed two sacks.

It's not just those two, though. Even Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio has given up 13 pressures and a sack.

If the Browns can hold up in some way on the interior, they have a chance to gain the upper hand on the Eagles' front. If it becomes more of what it's been recently, then it'll be more of the same for the Cleveland offense.

Will the Cleveland Browns defense hold up against the Philadelphia Eagles offense?

3 burning questions for Cleveland Browns to answer against Philadelphia Eagles (3)

The Browns defense has shown its own signs of mortality this season, especially the last three games. They've missed 50 tackles over the course of the first five games, per PFF, with exactly half of those (25) in the last two weeks combined.

Philadelphia hasn't been elite on offense this season, but it's been solid. The Eagles rank eighth in total yards (365.5) and fifth in rush yards (153.8).

The addition of running back Saquon Barkley through free agency has bolstered the run game significantly, as he's averaged 108.8 yards, second only to the Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry (114.4) in the league. Miss tackles on him and he's got a chance to end up in the end zone.

It goes beyond just Barkley and his rushing ability. Quarterback Jalen Hurts could be facing a depleted Browns secondary, depending on the status of cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring) and safeties Grant Delpit (concussion) and Ronnie Hickman (ankle), at the same time he's likely getting back his top two wide receivers in A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion).

Hurts is ninth in the league in total yards (273.3) and sixth in first downs (14.8) per game. So any little breakdown by the Cleveland defense could be the crack that breaks the dam for the Eagles offense.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

3 burning questions for Cleveland Browns to answer against Philadelphia Eagles (2024)

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