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Ravens vs. Browns: Analyzing the Snap Counts (Defense)

Looking at the defensive snap counts in the Browns' 23-21 loss to the Ravens.

Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Yep, didn't see this one coming: three weeks into the season, the Browns' defense basically ranks last in the NFL, while their offense is near the top ten. The snap count distributions for the Browns' defenders against the Ravens are listed below. [Week 3 offensive snap counts for Cleveland can be found here]


Defensive Line
Ahtyba Rubin
Phil Taylor Desmond Bryant Billy Winn
John Hughes
Armonty Bryant
76%
52/68 plays
59%
40/68 plays
57%
39/68 plays
44%
30/68 plays
24%
16/68 plays
21%
14/68 plays

Ahtyba Rubin: 2 tackles, 2 assists (4 combined). 1 quarterback hit.
Desmond Bryant: 1 tackle, 2 assists (3 combined). 1 tackle for loss.
Billy Winn: 1 tackle, 3 assists (4 combined).
Phil Taylor: 2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). 1 tackle for loss.
John Hughes: 1 assist (1 combined).
Armonty Bryant: No stats registered.

Thoughts: While we haven't been able to see how each of our defensive lineman performed on an individual level, it's disappointing to see that our unit being fully healthy for the first time all season really made no difference.


Inside Linebacker
Karlos Dansby
Craig Robertson Chris Kirksey
100%
68/68 plays
65%
44/68 plays
46%
31/68 plays

Karlos Dansby: 3 tackles, 2 assists (5 combined). 1 tackle for loss.
Craig Robertson: 2 tackles, 3 assists (5 combined). 1 tackle for loss, 1 quarterback hit.
Chris Kirksey: 5 assists (5 combined).

Thoughts: For the first time this season, Robertson saw more reps than Kirksey, and that's because the Ravens went with more two-receiver sets, meaning the base defense was out there. You can also tell by how few snaps Gilbert had. Robertson had one notable play, and that's when he basically sacked Flacco (who dumped it to the running back at the last second for a seven yard loss).


Outside Linebacker
Paul Kruger Barkevious Mingo
Jabaal Sheard
69%
47/68 plays
66%
45/68 plays
54%
37/68 plays

Paul Kruger: 2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). 1 quarterback hit.
Barkevious Mingo: 2 tackles, 2 assists (4 combined).
Jabaal Sheard: 2 tackles, 3 assists (5 combined). 1 tackle for loss.

Thoughts: Here's a mistake, at least for now: in Mingo's return game, he was back to seeing more reps than Sheard. Mingo just isn't cutting it right now; you can't not play him, but over the bye week, I hope Mike Pettine really finds a better way to utilize Mingo's talents. Kruger forced another interception with pressure on a quarterback.


Cornerback
Joe Haden Buster Skrine Justin Gilbert
K'Waun Williams
99%
67/68 plays
88%
60/68 plays
21%
14/68 plays
1%
1/68 plays

Joe Haden: 5 tackles, 1 assist (6 combined).
Buster Skrine:
2 tackles, 2 assists (4 combined).
Justin Gilbert: No stats registered.
K'Waun Williams: No stats registered.

Thoughts: I don't think it was a terrible game by Haden, but of course it's disappointing to see a wide receiver win the battle at the end of a game against him again. With the investment in Gilbert and Haden, both of them will work through things, regardless of how they are performing...all while Skrine is quietly playing the best football.


Safety
Donte Whitner
Tashaun Gipson Jordan Poyer
Jim Leonhard
100%
68/68 plays
96%
65/68 plays
9%
6/68 plays
7%
5/68 plays

Donte Whitner: 5 tackles, 2 assists (7 combined).
Tashaun Gipson: 3 tackles, 2 assists (5 combined). 1 interception, 1 pass defended.
Jordan Poyer: 1 tackle (1 combined).
Jim Leonhard: No stats registered.

Thoughts: It's a bit rough to watch T.J. Ward being such a force in Denver while Whitner is just kind of "there" through three games this season. Gipson notched his second interception in as many weeks. Poyer finally got some defensive reps, as did Leonard, presumably in nickel back type of roles.