After a tough start to the season in Week 1, the Cleveland Browns have really turned things around in Week 2 and Week 3. Both sides of the ball have made some major improvements, but the defense in particular is starting to find a good rhythm.
In Week One, the defense allowed the Jacksonville Jaguars to score 34 points, and it really felt like the team never had a chance. Overall, they have allowed opposing offenses to score fewer points in the last two weeks, but how they have done it matters, too.
They are making big stops in the fourth quarter and late in games, when things matter most. While it is still early in the season, multiple performances like this help build the team’s confidence going into the rest of the season.
The pass rush was particularly effective against the Carolina Panthers, tallying three total sacks and eight quarterback hits on QB Bryce Young. DT Mason Graham, in particular, has been a disruptive force on the defensive line. As he continues to gain confidence and establish himself as a leader, his impact will only continue to grow.
Moving from Jim Schwartz’s man coverage, few blitzes, to Mike Rutenberg’s more coverage-flexible, blitz-oriented scheme was going to take some time to gel. Week 4 will be another chance for Cleveland’s defense to establish its identity.
Let me know what you think in the comments – Is the Browns’ defense starting to find its identity?
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