The Cleveland Browns are 2-1 through three weeks with home wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans. Their lone loss coming week two at the hand of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lead by defensive end Myles Garrett, the Browns have given up 28 total points. Two of their three touchdowns allowed coming off of quarterback Deshaun Watson’s turnovers.
Thus, through three games, the defense has allowed just one offensive touchdown on a long catch and run by Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. In week three against the Tennessee Titans, the Browns defense allowed a historically low total of just 94 total yards.
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Likewise, Titans running back Derrick Henry, consistently near the best in the league, had just 20 rushing yards on 11 carries. Allowing 26 rushing yards and 68 passing yards is a great feat, but this was no fluke of a game. So, what is helping the Browns make plays all across the field? That would be none other than Myles Garrett.
The Defense for the Cleveland Browns Has Been Statistically Dominant Led By Defensive End Myles Garrett
Garrett Continues Dominance in Titans Win
The 27-year-old defensive end Myles Garrett out of Texas A&M showed once again why he is one of the best players in the entire NFL. He finished his most recent outing with five tackles, four solo tackles and three and a half sacks. Also adding three tackles for loss. five quarterback hits and a forced fumble.
These absurd numbers have allowed the opposing offenses to remain uncomfortable, often moving formations and players just to protect against Garrett. Garrett has already posted four and a half sacks, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble this season. He is well on his way to landing a spot on the all-pro team.
The Titans had two TEs following Myles Garrett today 💀
pic.twitter.com/iGJWwJzh3i— PFF (@PFF) September 24, 2023
He currently ranks third in the league in sacks and sack yards, and is tied for seventh in tackles for loss. These numbers don’t compare to his overall impact on the new look defense, but do show why the Browns defense is currently near the best in the NFL statistically.
Browns Defense Ranks Near the Best
The Browns have allowed an outstanding 491 total yards over their first three games. With an average of 163.7 yards per game, this is unparalleled.
They rank first overall by a margin of nearly 90 yards, with the Buffalo Bills in second averaging 253 yards per contest. Their mark of 111.7 passing yards per game is best in the league by 19 yards. Likewise, their 52 rushing yards per game allowed is tied for the best with the Philadelphia Eagles.
still trying the single block on him, huh#TENvsCLE on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/Vv5k1LCh2x
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 24, 2023
Also, allowing 32 total points and 10.7 points per game, they rank first in the NFL even with 14 of those points being due to quarterback turnovers. If the defense is anything close to this the rest of the season, it will be in large part thanks to defensive end Myles Garrett.
Outlook for Season
The Browns have two more home games in a row after the home win. They have a great chance to be 4-1 or 3-2 after the stretch. The tests will be tough for the defense and Garrett, as they welcome divisional rival Baltimore Ravens and high-powered San Francisco 49ers to FirstEnergy Stadium.
After these tests against good offensive lines, they play struggling offensive teams with banged up offensive lines. With the offense adjusting to the loss of their star running back Nick Chubb, and Watson coming into his own passing the ball, the defense will need to keep getting to the quarterback and making plays.
If this can happen, the Browns can potentially be amongst the best in the AFC.
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Main Photo Credit: Ken Blaze – USA Today Sports
