URGENT UPDATE: Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is rallying his team to prepare for a monumental challenge: stopping Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills quarterback who leads the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns this season. With recent remarks comparing Allen to the formidable Derrick Henry, Schwartz emphasizes the physicality and skill required to tackle the dual-threat QB.
Speaking to reporters earlier today in Berea, Ohio, Schwartz stated, “To our players, when he starts scrambling, it’s a lot like trying to tackle Derrick Henry.” Allen’s ability to rush for 535 yards at an average of 5.5 yards per carry has made him a critical focal point for the Browns’ defense.
As the Browns prepare for their upcoming game against the Bills, Schwartz highlighted that the team’s run defense has recently slipped to 14th in the NFL, allowing 184 yards against the Titans and 142 yards against the Bears last week. “We have to control the game by stopping the run. If we don’t get it corrected, we won’t stand a chance in this game,” he asserted.
In addition to the challenge posed by Allen, the Browns must also contend with Bills running back James Cook, who ranks second in the NFL with 1,415 rushing yards. Schwartz’s message to his players is clear: tackle effectively to disrupt the Bills’ high-powered run game, currently averaging 158.5 rushing yards per game.
Meanwhile, in a heartfelt moment, safety Grant Delpit opened up about the emotional toll of the Browns’ struggles this season. Addressing the media, he expressed, “It hurts. Everybody wants to win. It’s obvious. When it’s not working, it’s not fun.” Delpit emphasized that the team’s dedication goes beyond the game, stating, “Everything I do is to win.”
As the Browns gear up for this critical matchup, Delpit and his teammates are determined to rise to the occasion, despite the mounting pressure. “You can try to do everything you can, it’s not working, but what are you gonna do about it?” he said, highlighting the resilience within the locker room.
In terms of player availability, tight end David Njoku and cornerback Denzel Ward were among six players absent from practice today. However, guard Teven Jenkins and Joel Bitonio returned, as did Myles Garrett after a day of rest.
With the clock ticking down to their pivotal game against the Bills, the Browns are under pressure to rectify defensive lapses and harness their full potential on the field. As Schwartz noted, “If Buffalo comes out and runs it 60 times, you’re not going to get any sacks.”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Browns aim to turn the tide and secure a critical victory against one of the league’s top offenses. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!
