The Cleveland Browns season has been one struggle after another. The offense has had explosive games followed by stretches of long struggles. The defense can play really well for a majority of games but struggle in the biggest moments or have big letdowns in big games.

Long-time offensive lineman Joel Bitonio has been around for a lot of things during his time in Cleveland. He has seen the inner workings of backstabbing and in-fighting that has occurred within the Browns since being a second-round pick of then-GM Ray Farmer.

For context, Bitonio was drafted a round after the team selected Johnny Manziel. He’s seen tension within the organization.

Tuesday, he dismissed any possible tension between the team’s offense and defense. “Honestly, I have not personally felt any tension between the defense and the offense. Our defense has played well, especially the last few weeks, and we appreciate that. There is no tension,” Bitionio said.

“That might be something in years past, but the guys are focused on winning and taking care of their business. Honestly, we want to capitalize when we get the ball and really try and play complementary football, but it is not something that is tearing our team down.”

With Baker Mayfield throwing four interceptions while the defense held Aaron Rodgers in, relative, check, the question is a valid one. Bitonio did his best to dispel the notion.

With two games remaining and a majority of players likely eligible to return from the reserve/COVID-19 list, Cleveland has a chance at the AFC North title and hosting a playoff game. The team will need both their offense and defense to play well for that to happen.