What is the story about?
With this Browns’ defense, I can tolerate a few big runs being given up if the defense took a chance and was burned. But the 3rd-and-13 resulting in a 51-yard run was a back-breaker, and then the sheer number of missed open field tackles, both against the run and on screen passes, is embarrassing. I don’t expect perfection in the open field, but it’s becoming a consistent problem that is helping extend drives. I’ve also seen various stats out there, indicating the Browns missed between 14 to 16 tackles on the day,
which sounds about right from the eye test.
Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Defensive Line
- Teams are starting to expose the Browns’ defensive interior, which has proven to be threatening when teams have to pass, but has been susceptible to runs like this (see below). And then, the second- and third-level haven’t been making tackles in open space to limit the damage a bit more.
- While Todd Monken noted that they will have to make an adjustment, it is a concern when you factor in the personnel Cleveland has. However, it also seems like a bit of a scheme issue too, because the intent of the linemen seem clear in trying to rush up the field. I thought the Browns have played smarter at times this season by letting their talented secondary and cover corners make a play, instead of trying to force a big play via a rush up front.
- Mike Hall returned this week and was one of the team’s top-graded defenders, ranking third by PFF, with a grade of 72.2. However, tackling grades were poor for much of the team, including Hall, Jared Verse, Adin Huntington. In these loses, the frustration from the fan base continues to build toward Verse, who barely makes a visible impact on the game. The biggest story with him in this game was getting dumped on his head after talking in the media about Pittsburgh being dirty.
- Maliek Collins left the game for a bit with an elbow injury.
Linebacker
- This wasn’t the finest day at the office for Carson Schwesinger. Although he had 10 tackles, he received a grade of 30.5 from PFF, grading poorly in run defense, tackling, pass rush, and coverage. He appeared to be the man responsible on both of Darnell Washington’s wheel routes that were successful for big gains. He denies that his ankle injury isn’t holding him back, but you know that injuries like that can certainly be a factor.
- Quincy Williams was back atop the PFF rankings with a grade of 90.0 and a solid run defense grade, for what it’s worth.
Cornerback
- Denzel Ward had a fortunate interception, with a PFF coverage grade of 90.1 on the day. His overall grade was only 63.5, though, as he also suffered with tackling and run defense.
- Tyson Campbell was the Browns’ top-graded defender by PFF, grading out to a 90.8, with some impressive work against DK Metcalf. Campbell left at the end of the first half with an injury, but returned. It’s not his fault of course, but him being injured forced Cleveland to burn a timeout on that final drive of the first half, which may have been the difference in Pittsburgh getting a touchdown vs. only a field goal try.
Safety
- It wasn’t a good day for Grant Delpit either, who graded out to a 26.8 by PFF. It’s not ideal when your two defenders who played the most snaps were by far the worst-graded players.
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren played 53% of the snaps this week.
