Tackling dummies: Browns work to improve tackling after rough defensive performance in loss

Published September 12, 2015

Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown (84) kicks Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning (5) as he jumps while returning a punt in the second quarter of the NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in Pittsburgh. Brown was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

Pittsburgh Steelers' Antwon Blake (41) is tackled by Cleveland Browns cornerback Jordan Poyer (33) and defensive back K'Waun Williams (36) after making a first down on a fake punt attempt in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright) (The Associated Press)

Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil counted up the missed tackles in last week's loss at Pittsburgh. He refused to reveal the number.

"Too many," said O'Neil, who vowed that his defense will do a better job on Sunday against New Orleans.

Cleveland's inability to tackle in the first half was one of the main reasons the Steelers built a 24-point lead before the Browns rallied after halftime. Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby says there is no excuse for the defensive miscues and he and his teammates can't allow ball carriers any extra yardage.

Dansby says there were more than 20 missed tackles in the game.

Linebacker Paul Kruger says the Browns have to be fundamentally sound or the Saints (0-1) will make them pay.

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