The Browns will wrap up a three-game road stint in Week 6 against the Eagles, as well as try to snap a three-game losing stretch.
Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said they have spent time throughout the week identifying where they can be better as an offense and how to execute better on the field, both from a player and coaching perspective. And while they are learning from their mistakes throughout the first five weeks of the season, they are focused on their matchup against the Eagles.
"We're going to learn from things that happened last week, whether it's through adjustments, whether it's through execution, those types of things," Dorsey said. "But the focus has to be on this week and not letting one game become a second game for us. And just really kind of grinding through it and working. And that's the only way that I know to get through tough times."
Here are three keys to Sunday's matchup against the Eagles.
Apply pressure to QB Jalen Hurts
Defensively, the Browns have an opportunity to apply pressure on QB Jalen Hurts and force him into difficult situations offensively. This season, Hurts has taken 13 sacks, tied for 11th most in the league, and has a 46.2 completion percentage. He has thrown two touchdowns and two interceptions with a 66.7 passer rating when under pressure.
Hurts also has a total of five fumbles and four interceptions this season. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said Hurts' turnovers have come at different spots in the course of the game.
"A couple of them came at the end of games this year, probably trying to make a play maybe when it wasn't there," Schwartz said. "But that's what playmakers do – they try to make plays. And I think there's a lot of things that are important to us, some similarities to last week and some things we should learn from last week. But pressure on the quarterback generally can create mistakes, and then we got to be aggressive going after the ball. So, both of those things will probably play a part in this week."
The Browns have forced a total of five turnovers this season, including one interception and four fumbles. The defense knows the importance of forcing those takeaways to stop the offensive drive of their opponent and give the ball back to their own offense.
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.
Limit RB Saquon Barkley in the run game
The Browns run defense will face one of the top running backs in the league in RB Saquon Barkley when they play the Eagles.
Barkley ranks third in the league in rushing yards this season, totaling 435 rushing yards on 73 carries for four touchdowns. He has six explosive runs, including two 40+ yard runs and his longest of the season for 65 yards. In two of their four games this season, Barkley has rushed for over 100 rushing yards. He's also recorded 18 rushing first downs this season.
"Saquon might be playing the best of any running back in the NFL right now," Schwartz said. "Extremely strong, great vision, jump cut, using the passing game, everything else. And they've had some injuries with their wide receivers, so he's really had to take a load. He's been a marked man in their offense and he's still averaging six yards a carry. So, he definitely has our attention."
The Browns are giving up an average of 141.6 rushing yards per game this season. They have also allowed 23 explosive run plays this season, the second-most in the league just behind the Commanders with 24.
"A little bit like last week, we can't play really, really good defense for 58 plays and let our guard down for seven plays because these guys have seven guys that can hit home runs," Schwartz said.
Check out photos of the team working to prepare for their game this week against the Philadelphia Eagles at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Defensive end Marcus Haynes (98) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Safety Trey Dean (28) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez (60) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Running back Nyheim Hines (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Defensive end Elerson Smith (52) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (38) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 9, 2024.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 10, 2024.
Protect QB Deshaun Watson
One of the continuous issues through the first five weeks of the season is the protection of QB Deshaun Watson, who has been sacked a league-high 26 times this season. Watson has also totaled five fumbles and three interceptions this season.
LG Joel Bitonio said as an offensive line, as well as all 11 players on the field, have to execute in order to help protect Watson.
"I think it's accountability on each person, like we've talked about it, and that's the frustrating part is like we talked about, and then actions have to happen eventually. You have to eventually do. But each room, each person is responsible. And we talked about it in the O-line room, you got to take care of yourself before you can start helping other people. So, make sure you're right in your book. And then we help the guy next to you, on the left, the right. And a lot of it is a group sport, especially five O-linemen. But certainly, like looking yourself in the mirror being like, what can I do right to make sure I'm locked in, I know all my assignments, I know what I was supposed to do. And then going out and eventually, blocking the guy in front of you."
The Browns offensive line will have another tough matchup, especially on the interior with DT Jalen Carter and DT Jordan Davis. This season, Carter has totaled nine tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and three passes defensed. Davis has recorded six tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one quarterback hit and two passes defensed.
"I would tell you they're very, very powerful," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Powerful and disruptive, right in the middle of the pocket in the pass game, right in the middle of what you're doing in the run game. So, they do a very nice job schematically of having those guys attack and they're just big, physical football players. They're good."
