What is Browns’ Biggest Weakness?

The Cleveland Browns are off to a disastrous 1-4 start in the season, and the growing frustration from fans is palpable. Calls for starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to be benched are becoming louder, especially following Cleveland's recent 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders.

The defeat not only showcased Watson's continued struggles but also brought to light several key weaknesses within the Browns' roster.

In the loss to Washington, Watson went 15 completions on 28 attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown, while taking seven sacks. The offense was completely out of sync, with Watson missing multiple open receivers, leaving the Browns unable to establish any offensive rhythm .

With mounting criticism, ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo publicly declared that he was "DONE" with the team, echoing the sentiment of many fans.

As the Browns look for answers, it’s evident that their issues run deeper than just Watson’s inconsistent play. According to Bleacher Report, Cleveland’s biggest weaknesses are clear across five critical areas:

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback: Watson’s subpar performances have hindered the Browns' ability to compete. With fan confidence at an all-time low, discussions of a possible quarterback change loom large.
2. Wide Receiver: The lack of reliable targets has further limited the offense, with Cleveland failing to generate explosive plays downfield.
3. Left Tackle: Pass protection has been a glaring issue, with Watson being sacked 26 times through the first five games.
4. Linebacker: Defensively, the Browns have struggled to stop opposing offenses, particularly against the run, revealing weaknesses in their linebacker corps.
5. Cornerback: The secondary has been exposed in key situations, leaving the defense vulnerable to big plays.

Related: Browns Fans Voice Frustration After 34-13 Loss to Commanders

To address these glaring weaknesses, they suggest that Cleveland could explore trading for Carolina Panthers’ offensive lineman Brady Christensen, targeting Chicago Bears' IOL Teven Jenkins in 2025 free agency, and considering Utah linebacker Lander Barton in the 2025 NFL Draft.

As the Browns prepare for a challenging Week 6 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, all eyes are on Watson and whether changes will be made to stop the team's downward spiral. The pressure continues to mount, and Cleveland must act fast if they want to salvage their season.