One Brutal Browns Stat Dates Back Nearly Two Years

Some of the Cleveland Browns’ most dubious historical streaks have come to light this season because they have been on the verge of breaking them. For example, they could have swept the Pittsburgh Steelers in a season series for the first time since 1988 had they defeated them last Sunday.

Unfortunately, the Browns now have to wait until next season to possibly end that particular drought. But entering their Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints, there is a shorter stretch they can cross off their list.

As pointed out by insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic, one brutal Browns stat dates back nearly two years, as their offense has not had a touchdown drive that includes a sack since late in the 2024 campaign.

“The Browns have gone 83 straight drives without scoring a touchdown after being sacked, a streak dating to Week 15 of the 2024 season. The Saints are 32nd in the NFL with a 28.9 pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks, with five of their 18 sacks coming in their Week 6 win over the New York Giants, a game in which New Orleans also forced four turnovers,” Jackson wrote.

Back on Dec. 15, 2024, the Browns lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 21-7. Their only touchdown of the game came on a two-play drive in the third quarter. Quarterback Jameis Winston was sacked for a 13-yard loss before running back Jerome Ford scored on a 62-yard run.

Since then, the Browns have been unable to repeat that feat. This season, quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked 33 times, which is 10 more than any other team in the NFL.

That includes eight sacks by Pittsburgh in Cleveland’s 27-6 loss in Week 8. Watson was also sacked eight times by the New York Jets in a 17-12 loss in Week 5, including four times in the fourth quarter.

Now, Shedeur Sanders is likely to make his first start of the season with Watson entering concussion protocol during the week. The Saints may pose more of a threat with their pass rush than Jackson indicates, as despite their low pressure rate, they are tied for 14th in the league in total sacks, even though they had their bye last week.

The Browns’ offensive line surrendered 36 total pressures to the Steelers, so it will have to be much, much better than that for Cleveland to end this sack-to-TD streak on Sunday.