Over the past few weeks, Pro Football Focus has been highlighting, position-by-position, the best individual performances from the 2011 season for particular games. Let's take a look at which members of the Cleveland Browns defense received some recognition:
Ahtyba Rubin had the 5th best performance for a 4-3 defensive tackle for the Browns' Week 12 matchup against the Bengals:
5t. Ahtyba Rubin, Cleveland Browns: Week 12 at Cincinnati (+6.2)
You can almost allow Rubin to start slowing down by Week 12 given how much the Browns kept him on the field (only Vince Wilfork played more regular season snaps than Rubin). He didn’t slow down a bit here, though, and took turns beating up on Nate Livings and Bobbie Williams when Cleveland traveled to Cincinnati. Generally not viewed as a penetrating tackle, he still picked up two hits and four hurries (one of which was nullified by penalty as Livings held in an to attempt to slow Rubin down). Meanwhile, he added four tackles for short gains in a dominant display.
Jabaal Sheard had the 8th best performance for a 4-3 defensive end in terms of pass rushing for the Browns' Week 3 matchup against Miami.
Chris Gocong had the 2nd best performance for a 4-3 outside linebacker in terms of coverage for the Browns' Week 10 matchup against St. Louis.
Joe Haden had the 8th best performance for a cornerback for the Browns' Week 1 matchup against the Bengals:
8. Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns: Week 1 vs. Cincinnati (+4.6)
The stat sheet will tell you Haden gave up a touchdown (in a confusing fashion that reflected badly on the entire Browns defense) but was so good this day he still gets on the list. The sophomore broke up five passes on the 11 balls thrown with him in primary coverage; quite an incredible feat. Given that he was lined up against A.J. Green for large portions of the day, that’s an even more impressive achievement.