Every successful offense starts in the trenches. Quarterbacks and receivers get the highlights, but none of it works if the 5 players up front cannot hold their ground. When the line struggles, the problems spread to every part of the offense. For the Browns, that has become the biggest issue as they try to snap a 2-game losing streak.
Former Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon did not hold back when discussing the offensive line on BIGPLAY Cleveland.
“Number one, too, we’re talking about the offensive line. I mean, god*** it. They’ve got to get it together. We’ve got to run the football. We’re not able to run the football because everything starts off being able to run the football, and that opens up things for everything else with the offense,” Dixon said.
The Browns o-line has been no bueno. #DawgPound @HanfordDixon29 needs consistency in front of whoever the Browns play at QB. pic.twitter.com/HWBPhHR5Fj
— BIGPLAY Cleveland (@BIGPLAYcle) November 10, 2026
The numbers back up Dixon’s frustration. The Browns have allowed 13 sacks over their last 2 games, 8 in Pittsburgh and 5 more in New Orleans. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have both spent much of those games under pressure.
The run game has been just as concerning. Cleveland managed only 34 rushing yards against the Steelers and 95 against the Saints. Quinshon Judkins is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry this season, and he has been under 3 yards per carry in each of the last 2 games.
Dixon’s point about the run game setting up everything else is exactly what the Browns have been missing. Without a reliable ground attack, the offense keeps landing in long passing situations, and opposing pass rushers can pin their ears back. That is a big reason the sack numbers have climbed.
This line was always going to need time. All 5 starters are new this season, with Spencer Fano at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, rookie Austin Barber at right guard and Tytus Howard at right tackle. Chemistry between linemen usually takes time to build, and the Browns are still searching for it halfway through the year.
The Browns did not add any help at the trade deadline, so improvement will have to come from within. Watson likely returns as the starter Sunday against the Houston Texans, and protecting him will be priority number 1.
Dixon wants consistency up front, no matter who is under center. The Browns need it too if they want to get back on track.
NEXT: The Numbers Prove The Browns Found A Steal At Tight End
