Losing streaks can make a team look worse than it really is. Two close defeats on the road have turned up the heat in Cleveland, from the quarterback debate to questions about the offensive line. One win can change that mood in a hurry, and the Browns get their chance at home. The Houston Texans come to town at 3-5, and the matchup sets up better for Cleveland than the recent results might suggest.
Here are 3 reasons the Browns can get back on track Sunday.
The Texans Cannot Run The Ball
The Browns’ biggest weakness lately has been their run defense. They are allowing 130.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks 27th in the NFL, and opponents have run for 501 yards over the last 3 games.
Houston is not built to take advantage of that. The Texans average just 87.1 rushing yards per game, among the lowest totals in the league. Only a handful of teams have run the ball less effectively this season.
That gives Mike Rutenberg’s defense a chance to reset. If the Browns can keep Houston one-dimensional, they can put more focus on the pass rush. Maliek Collins also returned to practice this week after missing the Saints game with an elbow injury, which should give the interior a boost.
Cleveland’s Pass Defense Matches Up Well
The Texans live through the air. They average 269.4 passing yards per game, 3rd in the league, and CJ Stroud has 4 games of 300 or more passing yards, tied for the most in the NFL.
The Browns are well equipped to handle that. They allow just 201.0 passing yards per game, the 6th-lowest total in the league, and they have not given up a 300-yard passer in 54 straight games. That is the longest active streak in the NFL.
Denzel Ward is the anchor with Tyson Campbell on the other side and Carson Schwesinger cleaning up in the middle. Cleveland has the pieces to slow down Stroud.
The Browns Have Been Strong At Home
Cleveland is 3-0 at home this season, with wins over the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Another one would give the Browns their first 4-0 home start since 1963.
Deshaun Watson also returns to face his former team. He leads the NFL with 5 game-winning drives, and all 3 home wins came down to the final minutes.
There is room for the offense to find some rhythm, too. Houston allows 24.0 points and 103.0 rushing yards per game, so Quinshon Judkins and the ground game have a real chance to get going. A steady run game would also help an offensive line that must deal with Will Anderson Jr.
The Texans should not be taken lightly. They are 3-1 on the road and coming off a win. Still, if the Browns protect Watson and keep Houston from finding balance, the matchup favors Cleveland.
NEXT: Two Browns Face The Most Pressure Heading Into Sunday
