The Cleveland Browns have been able to survive subpar play by their rebuilt offensive line this season, a unit that has struggled with penalties, establishing a running game, and protecting the passer. It has kept the offense from reaching its full potential.
That has been especially true early in games, and the Browns have needed a fourth-quarter scoring drive in each of their five victories. It also could have cost them dearly in a 23-22 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints, where a holding penalty would have wiped out a potential game-winning two-point conversion.
Now, the Browns’ offensive line will face its toughest test yet on Sunday, taking on a Houston Texans defense that has overcome early-season struggles of its own.
“The Browns O-line faces its biggest challenge yet in a Texans D-line that is elite at getting after the QB,” Spencer German posted.
The Browns O-line faces its biggest challenge yet in a Texans D-line that is elite at getting after the QB.
Per TruMedia Houston ranks:
9th in pressures (126)
5th in pressure rate (40%)
Tied for 1st in sacks (29)
2nd in sack rate (9.5%)Will Anderson Jr. specifically:
1st in…— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) November 13, 2026
German notes that according to Tru Media, Houston ranks ninth in the NFL in pressures (126) and fifth in pressure rate (40 percent) this season. It is tied for first in sacks (29) and is second in sack rate (9.5 percent). Individually, edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is first in sacks (9.5) and fifth in pressures (40).
By comparison, the Browns offensive line ranks 32nd in sacks allowed (38), 32nd in pressures allowed (155), and is tied for 30th in pressure rate allowed (43.9 percent). Left tackle Spencer Fano is tied for the fifth-most pressures allowed (28) and has allowed three sacks, while right tackle Tytus Howard is 26th in pressures allowed (26) and has allowed two sacks.
Fano had been excelling with his difficult assignment as a rookie until recently. In a 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, he allowed 10 pressures and 1.5 sacks to the combination of Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. Neither one of them is in the class of Anderson, an All-Pro who is a leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
With quarterback Deshaun Watson returning after a week spent in concussion protocol, his protection will be of the utmost importance if the Browns hope to emerge with a win that could prove to be crucial in the AFC playoff race.
NEXT: Former Player Issues Reality Check For Deshaun Watson
