The Cleveland Browns have quickly built a reputation for possessing the toughest run defense in the NFL, surrendering the fewest rushing yards in the league through three weeks. But Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton is far from rattled by the challenge. In fact, he sounded confident while addressing the media, suggesting that the Browns have not yet faced a rushing attack as balanced and determined as Detroit’s.
“I don’t think they’ve seen a run game like ours yet,” Morton said via the Detroit Free Press. “And we have patience. We stick with it. I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Detroit’s Run Game Making a Statement
The Lions enter Week 4 ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing, averaging 149 yards per contest. Their two-headed backfield of David Montgomery and rookie standout Jahmyr Gibbs has given defenses fits, mixing power and speed in a way few teams can replicate.
Their dominance was on full display during Monday night’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Detroit pounded the ball 38 times, racking up 224 rushing yards and punching in four touchdowns on the ground. That type of physical control didn’t just move the chains — it dictated the entire flow of the game. Morton believes sticking to that identity is the key against Cleveland.
Browns’ Defense Standing Tall
Of course, the Browns aren’t going to roll over. Through three games, Cleveland has allowed an NFL-best 57.3 rushing yards per game. Opponents like the Bengals (46 yards), Ravens (45 yards), and Packers (81 yards) all tried to test the Browns’ front, and each one came up short. Myles Garrett and company have turned the defensive line into a wall, punishing backs before they can build momentum.
A True Clash of Styles
Sunday’s matchup at Ford Field is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing battles of Week 4: Detroit’s top-five rushing attack against Cleveland’s No. 1-ranked rushing defense. Something has to give. Morton insists that the Lions won’t panic if things don’t click right away on the ground. Instead, they plan to lean into their depth, creativity, and persistence.
With Montgomery’s toughness between the tackles and Gibbs’ explosive playmaking in space, Detroit believes it has the weapons to finally crack Cleveland’s code. The Browns, meanwhile, are eager to prove their early dominance wasn’t a fluke.
As Morton put it best: “We have patience. We stick with it.” Sunday will reveal whose willpower truly prevails.
