Browns’ O-Line Woes Loom Large vs. Cowboys in Week 1

The Cleveland Browns are facing a serious issue as they approach the 2024 NFL season: their offensive line. Despite the preseason's reputation for being an unreliable predictor of regular-season performance, the Browns' struggles in the trenches have become too glaring to ignore.

Over the past two weeks, the unit has allowed 26 quarterback pressures and six sacks, far exceeding last year's per-game averages. Even more troubling, the Browns' run game has floundered, averaging just 2.7 and 2.4 yards per carry in their last two outings—figures that are reminiscent of their struggles against top-tier rushing defenses in previous seasons.

What’s particularly concerning is that these issues persist despite the presence of four returning starters. James Hudson, Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic, and Dawand Jones . All have seen action this preseason, yet three of them allowed quarterback pressures, with Pocic surrendering a sack on the first offensive drive against the Green Bay Packers . To compound the problem, Hudson, the current starting left tackle, is now sidelined with an ankle injury.

Injuries continue to plague the Browns’ offensive tackle room. There’s still no clear timeline for Jedrick Wills' return as he awaits clearance to be elevated to the active roster. Meanwhile, tackle Hakeem Adeniji is out for several weeks with a knee injury, leaving Germain Ifedi , who hasn’t started a game since 2021, as the next man up at left tackle.

There is a small glimmer of hope, however. Report s from Wednesday’s practice noted that veteran tackle Jack Conklin was seen working out with a trainer for the first time all camp, indicating a possible return before the season opener. Even so, with no definitive update on Wills, the Browns are left in a precarious position as they head into their preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks .

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The urgency to resolve these offensive line issues cannot be overstated, especially with their Week 1 opponent, the Dallas Cowboys , boasting one of the league’s most formidable pass-rushing duos in Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence . Last season, the pair combined for 18 sacks and 28 tackles for loss, presenting a daunting challenge for a Browns line that is anything but settled.

With just over two weeks until the season kicks off, the Browns need to address these concerns quickly to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson and give their offense a fighting chance.