The Cleveland Browns completely rebuilt their offensive line heading into the 2026 season, with a whole new starting five from left to right. After the retirement of long-time offensive lineman Joel Bitonio and a major offseason haul, they entered the season hoping the new group could help build stability up front.
Instead, it has done the complete opposite. The offensive line has become one of the team’s biggest problems and is ranking near the bottom of the NFL through the first eight games.
Offensive Line Problems in Cleveland
The Browns’ New Offensive Line Is Struggling
Spencer Fano, the ninth overall pick, is starting at the left tackle position, with Zion Johnson at left guard, whom they signed from the Los Angeles Chargers; Elgton Jenkins at center, who came from Green Bay; Austin Barber, who was a third-round pick in the last draft, and Tytus Howard manning the right tackle position, who came over in a trade with Houston.
With an entirely new starting group, it was always going to take some time for the unit to build chemistry together. However, the number of penalties and the amount of pressure that has been allowed this season is becoming a major concern.
The offensive line has committed 26 penalties through just eight games this year. 11 of those have been offensive holdings and 15 of which are false starts. Howard has been flagged seven times, the second most among NFL offensive tackles, with Johnson having six.
These mistakes have cost the offense significant field position, making it very difficult to move the football.
Cleveland Is Giving Up Way Too Much Pressure
The line has also very much struggled to keep opposing pass rushers at bay, as they have allowed 33 sacks through eight games, an average of more than four sacks per game most in the NFL by 10.
The pressure has also been constant throughout the season. Averaging about 15.4 pressure per game, which also marks the highest in the NFL. With Deshaun Watson facing so much pressure, he is not getting enough time to make plays downfield.
The Last Word
The Browns have to figure out their offensive line problems fast. They cannot continue giving away yards with penalties and always playing behind the sticks. With Watson having a concussion this week because of pressure he faced last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the line will need to step up even more to protect Shedeur Sanders, who is in line to play this week against the New Orleans Saints.
With Sanders’ tendency to dance around the pocket and have happy feet at times, it will make it even harder for the line to keep the New Orleans pass rushers away.
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