As the Browns work to bounce back from their 1-4 start to the season following a Week 5 loss to the Commanders, they are evaluating ways on all three sides of the ball on how to improve.
"It's the offense, it's the defense, it's the special teams together," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "So, we win as a team, we lose as a team. That's just how we operate."
The defense – which is one of the most dominant defenses in the league in 2023 and led the league in multiple categories – knows there is room for improvement in their on-field production.
Check out photos of the Browns against the Washington Commanders in Week 5
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) and Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) andCornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) and Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (38) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (38) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Through the first five games of the season, the Browns have allowed a total of 1,001 passing yards, ranked 11th in the league, on 86 completions. They allow 6.7 passing yards per attempt and have given up four passing touchdowns.
Their run defense has allowed 708 rushing yards, ranked 25th in the league, on 141 carries. They give up an average of five yards per carry, ranked 19th in the league. They've also allowed eight rushing touchdowns, a four-way tie for second highest in the league.
"We're all not playing to our standard," CB Greg Newsome II said. "At the end of the day, we all got things to improve on, and we're trying to do that each day. So, I just feel like as a collective, me, Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., Myles Garrett, like everybody, we all can play better. Because at the end of the day, we need everybody to win. I think everybody has room for improvement."
Their Week 5 performance against the Commanders encompassed much of the positives and negatives the Browns have seen this season from the defense. They recorded two turnovers – increasing the total to five takeaways this season. They sacked QB Jayden Daniels three times for a loss of 17 yards and forced the Commanders to punt a total of four times.
However, they also have up 12 explosive plays, defined as a rush over 10 yards or a passing play over 20 yards. Commanders WR Terry McLaurin recorded the longest play of the day with a 66-yard reception in the second quarter. Daniels also completed 14 of 25 passing attempts for 238 yards and one touchdown and ran for 82 rushing yards. As a defense, they allowed the Commanders to finish the game with 215 net rushing yards and 219 net passing yards.
"I think at times, we are playing unbelievable ball," Newsome said. "What it comes down to is eliminating some of those explosives, some of those big plays. So, that's our job is to try and eliminate explosives. If we can find a way to get some of those big plays out, then it will start looking good. We're finally starting to get some turnovers and things like that. But at the end of the day, we just got to continue to work hard, continue to trust in each other. We just have to find a way to make those key plays when it comes to us."
Check out the best photos from the Browns game against the Commanders Sunday by the Browns photo team
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Running Backs Coach Duce Staley and Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) and Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
The captains before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Cornerbacks Coach Brandon Lynch before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) and Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Missed tackles continued to be play a factor in their success on the defensive side against the Commanders, especially in key moments like when S Grant Delpit missed on a tackle and couldn't bring down RB Brian Robinson Jr. in the red zone which led to a touchdown. Or a 41-yard touchdown pass to WR Dyami Brown with only Emerson downfield in coverage to end the first half.
Newsome said as a defense, they have to minimize the number of missed tackles that do happen in games.
"What you try to do is, kind of get the guys running to the ball," Newsome said. "Like, I have to do a better job at running to the ball. […] A lot of those running backs and receivers are very shifty, so yes, the missed tackle is bad, but it's more so the guys running to the ball to nullify the extra yards after a missed tackle. So, I think that's our focus. Obviously, we can tackle better 1-on-1, but we got to find a way to get guys to the party, so that if he does cut or something, we're hitting them right on contact after."
Yet, even through their struggles in the first five weeks of the season, the defense is staying optimistic. Newsome said they are keeping in mind that there are 12 games left in the regular season. They believe in the talent that they have on the defensive side of the ball and know the potential in which they can play to.
As a defense and as a team, they have had conversations about improving their play. Garrett said following the loss to the Commanders they have to put those conversations into action on the field. And while Newsome said those conversations will continue to happen as part of their preparation, he agreed.
"What we are saying, we have to apply it on the field," Newsome said. "I think there's definitely still a little chatter. It's not going to be a lot, but at the end of the day, there has to be actions behind your words. I think that's kind of our mindset now. There's not a lot to say anymore, but at the end of the day, we have to go out there and everybody has to do their 1-11 to try to get this team off this losing streak."
