Cleveland Browns Recap and Preview: It’s the Defense for Me
The Cleveland Browns walked away with a 14-7 win on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the win, the game highlighted some deficiencies in the offense that the Browns defense had to make up for.
The Browns enter their Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a 3-1 record.
An Average Offensive Performance
Baker Mayfield struggled on Sunday, and it was very apparent something was wrong.
Mayfield went 15 completions for 33 passing attempts, a 45.5% completion rate, for a total of 155 yards. Compare this to his 246 yards passing on 19-of-31 passing in Week 3 and his 90.5% completion rate for 213 yards in Week 2.
With Jarvis Landry out due to a knee injury following the Texans game in Week 2, wide receiver Rashard Higgins showed up and showed out by catching 4 passes for 63 yards.
Nick Chubb, to no surprise, led the team in rushing yards going for 100 yards on 21 carries. Kareem Hunt had 89 yards and 14 total runs, averaging 5 yards a carry.
The Browns’ offensive line struggled with pass protection and allowed 20 pressures and 3 sacks.
A Powerhouse Defensive Performance
Unlike the “decent enough to win” effort by the offense, the Browns defense continued to dominate in Week 4.
The Browns defense has allowed only single-digit points in their last 2 games, something that has not been done since 1995.
Cornerback Greedy Williams made his first starting appearance since the 2019 season. Williams proved he deserves that starting position by making an impressive interception with 6:08 left in the fourth quarter.
Myles Garrett showed up once again. Garrett had 5 total tackles, 7 pressures, and one sack.
Malcolm Smith (8) and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (7) led the team in tackles, while Denzel Ward shutout Vikings receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
The Browns defense held Cousins to a 66 passer rating and gave up only 255 yards to the Vikings offense.
What to Look Forward to Against the Chargers
Both teams head into Week 5 with a 3-1 record. On Monday, the Chargers held Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders to just 213 yards. Even after being ranked one of the worst rushing defenses in the league.
As it stands, Baker is likely to play through his torn labrum as he has these past 3 Sundays. However, if Baker’s injury will affect his performance, some say he should sit the game out. That would require Case Keenum to step up and match Baker’s energy.
In the 69 games he’s played, Keenum averages 62% completion rate with 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. If he can focus on the running game, there is no doubt Case Keenum can hold his own and help lead the Browns to a victory.
On the other hand, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been performing well with a 68.8% completion rate and a total of 1,178 passing yards.
Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney will give Rashawn Slater and Storm Norton a run for their money. We can anticipate to see another dominating performance by Owusu-Koramoah.
Feature Image Curtesy of ClevelandBrowns.com
– Hailee Murphy (@TheHaileeMurphy)
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