Browns vs. Titans: A Battle of Struggling Teams, and a Test of Depth, Discipline, and Development
Sunday’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans won’t be flexed into primetime anytime soon-but that doesn’t mean it lacks intrigue. Both teams are in the midst of rough stretches: Tennessee is riding a seven-game losing streak, and Cleveland has dropped seven of its last nine. This is less about playoff positioning and more about evaluation, development, and pride.
Let’s break down what Cleveland’s coordinators had to say heading into the game-and what it reveals about where this team stands and where it’s trying to go.
Jim Schwartz: Time for the Defensive Line to Step Up-Together
Cleveland’s defensive identity has been rooted up front all season. But with defensive tackle Maliek Collins lost for the year after an injury against San Francisco, the Browns are now leaning on depth and opportunity.
“Maliek was playing great football for us,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “Probably the best football of his career.”
That’s not just coach-speak. Collins was a disruptive force inside-winning one-on-ones, collapsing pockets, and freeing up edge rushers.
Now, it’s a group effort to fill the void. Schwartz emphasized that it’s not about any one player doing more-it’s about everyone doing their job and capitalizing on the reps they’re about to get.
That means more snaps for Mason Graham, Shelby Harris, Sam Kamara, Mike Hall Jr., and potentially Adin Huntington when he returns. For a defense that’s leaned on its front four to generate pressure without blitzing, this is a pivotal stretch.
And they’ll have a golden opportunity this week.
Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward has been sacked more than any other passer in the league-48 times-and has coughed up 12 turnovers (six picks, six lost fumbles). Schwartz knows where the Browns need to attack.
“We really got to be disruptive in the middle of the pocket,” he said. “He’s given up a lot of fumbles this year. It’s one thing to take sacks, but you turn a sack into a fumble… those are game-changing plays.”
Translation: Get to Ward early, get to him often, and don’t just settle for the sack-go for the football.
Tommy Rees: Shedeur Sanders Showing Progress, But Execution Still Lagging
On the offensive side, the Browns are still trying to find rhythm-and answers. They managed just eight points against the 49ers, continued to struggle on third down, and haven’t found consistency since the early part of the season. But offensive coordinator Tommy Rees saw some encouraging signs from rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in his second start.
“He took care of the football,” Rees said. “Operationally, it was cleaner. He’s getting more comfortable.”
That matters. For a young quarterback, managing the huddle, communicating at the line, and not turning the ball over are foundational.
But at some point, the Browns need more than just clean operation-they need production. Rees acknowledged that, too, pointing out the importance of reading defenses and trusting the system.
“It all predicates on what the defense is giving us,” he said. “If they give us the look, let it rip. If not, find the next read or solution.”
Rees also made it clear that the ball goes where the coverage dictates-not where the quarterback or coordinator wants it to go. That’s a message to frustrated receivers and fans alike: sometimes the play is there, sometimes it’s not. The key is making the most of the opportunities when they do come.
It’s a process. And while Sanders isn’t lighting up the scoreboard yet, the Browns are hoping the reps now will pay off later.
Bubba Ventrone: Special Teams Resetting After Another Rough Week
Special teams have been a sore spot for Cleveland, and last week was no exception. Mistakes from returners Malachi Corley and Gage Larvadain added to a growing list of miscues. For coordinator Bubba Ventrone, it’s back to basics.
“We’re going to get back on track,” Ventrone said. “Get back to the fundamentals.”
That’s been the theme all week in practice. Ventrone talked about the “work shirt” mentality-his way of reinforcing that success on special teams starts with preparation, cohesion, and accountability. It’s not about any one guy-it’s about the unit working together, through good plays and bad.
Still, the calls for change have grown louder. And while Ventrone didn’t address the outside noise directly, he made it clear that he feels supported by the organization-from head coach Kevin Stefanski to GM Andrew Berry and ownership.
“They definitely understand that we’ve lost guys,” he said, referencing injuries and roster turnover. “You’re adding guys late, guys that haven’t had as many reps.”
It’s a fair point. The Browns have had to reshuffle their special teams personnel all season.
But at some point, execution has to follow effort. Sunday will be another test of whether this unit can clean things up-and avoid costly mistakes that swing field position or worse.
The Bottom Line
This Browns-Titans matchup may not carry playoff implications, but it’s far from meaningless. For Cleveland, it’s a chance to evaluate young talent, test depth, and build momentum for the final stretch of the season.
The defense has an opportunity to feast on a struggling quarterback. The offense is looking for signs that Shedeur Sanders is growing into the role.
And special teams? They just need a clean game-something they haven’t had in a while.
There’s still plenty to play for. And in a season that’s turned into a grind, how the Browns respond in games like this will say a lot about the direction of the franchise heading into 2026.