Browns-Rams: Six Random Thoughts From an Awful Loss

3.  Swiss-cheese defense

Earlier, I alluded to the fact that the Browns challenged the defense to step up against Gurley and they failed to do so.

Gurley had runs of 48, 21, 16, 15 and 12 yards. Receiver Tavon Austin had a run of 21 yards on an end-around. The Browns also allowed pass plays of 41, 24 and 20 yards.

The Rams gained 158 yards on the ground for a 6.2-yard average. Their tackling has been downright pathetic at times, with second-year undrafted cornerback K’Waun Williams one of the biggest culprits Sunday.

With No. 1 cornerback Joe Haden out for his second-straight game and third game of the season, former first-round cornerback Justin Gilbert still hasn’t been able to get on to the field defensively. The Browns continue to roll out former fourth-rounder Pierre Desir, who spent most of last season on the inactive list, and the undrafted Williams. Pro Bowl safety Tashaun Gipson, who spent most of the offseason in a contract dispute, has also missed most of the season to injuries, and Cleveland native and former Ohio State start Donte Whitner is rapidly showing his age.

Randy Starks finally had a sack Sunday – I forgot he was on the team until then, seriously. First-rounder Danny Shelton didn’t register a single stat Sunday. Linebacker Paul Kruger has been lined up out of position this year and still only has half-a-sack all year. Second-year linebacker Chris Kirksey still makes a few dumb plays, especially penalties, per game. The bottom line is an underachieving, overrated unit continues to prove those criticisms right.

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