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Browns’ defensive snap counts & stats: Preseason Week 1

Did we learn anything about the reps on the defensive line, linebacker, and in the seconday?

By Chris Pokorny
NFL: New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns' Week 1 preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

Defensive Line

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
DL Xavier Cooper 34 46% 1 tackle (1 combined).
DL Carl Nassib 33 45% 1 QH, 1 FR.
DL Nate Orchard 30 41% 2 assists (2 combined). 0.5 sack, 1 QH.
DL Larry Ogunjobi 28 38% 1 assist (1 combined).
DL Tyrone Holmes 24 32% 1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL Trevon Coley 24 32% 3 tackles, 1 assist (4 combined). 1 sack, 1 FF.
DL Jamie Meder 22 30% 1 assist (1 combined). 0.5 sack, 1 QH.
DL Karter Schult 18 24% 2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). 1 TFL.
DL Emmanuel Ogbah 15 20% No stats registered.
DL Myles Garrett 15 20% 1 tackle (1 combined). 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL Desmond Bryant 14 19% No stats registered.
DL Danny Shelton 14 19% No stats registered.

Notes:

  • The first-string defensive line consisted of Danny Shelton and Desmond Bryant on the interior, and Myles Garrett and Emmanuel Ogbah on the ends. Garrett had a nice first game, getting to show off perhaps an underrated aspect of his game (run defense).
  • The second unit seemed to include Trevon Coley as a defensive tackle, and Nate Orchard and Carl Nassib on the edges. It was a surprise to see Orchard in so early, but I believe it was because of Cam Johnson being out. Orchard capitalized with several standout plays, which could give him a boost up the depth chart.
  • All six defensive players went against the defense. Trevon Coley had one (defensive holding). The Browns were flagged offsides fives times (twice for Karter Schult, once each for Xavier Cooper and Carl Nassib, and then once for an unnamed player).

Linebacker

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
LB Kenneth Olugbode 42 57% 4 tackles, 1 assist (5 combined).
LB Dominique Alexander 34 46% 1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined).
LB James Burgess 30 41% 1 assist (1 combined).
LB Tank Carder 19 26% 1 tackle (1 combined).
LB Christian Kirksey 18 24% 2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). 1 pass defended.
LB B.J. Bello 17 23% 1 tackle (1 combined).
LB Jamie Collins 16 22% 3 tackles (3 combined).
LB Joe Schobert 14 19% 2 tackles (2 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH. 1 pass defended.
LB Ladell Fleming 12 16% 1 tackle (1 combined). 1 sack, 1 QH, 1 FF.
LB Deon King 11 15% 2 tackles (2 combined). 1 FR.

Notes:

  • We got to see a lot of the younger linebackers in action, and Kenneth Olugbode led the defense with 5 tackles. I still liked what I saw from James Burgess too.
  • Tank Carder missed an early tackle that led to a big outside run. Joe Schobert came in and played like his hair was on fire, giving him (in my opinion) the edge in the competition over Carder.
  • Jamie Collins showed off his tackling, having three of them in limited playing time. Christian Kirksey appeared to miss one tackle early, but also helped defend a third down pass.
  • Ladell Fleming off the bench laid a painful-looking hit on Saints QB Ryan Nassib, and then also had the game-sealing strip sack at the end.

Cornerback

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
CB Darius Hillary 51 69% 2 tackles (2 combined).
CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun 41 55% 3 tackles, 1 assist (4 combined). 2 TFL.
CB Jason McCourty 21 28% 1 assist (1 combined).
CB Trey Caldwell 20 27% 3 tackles (3 combined). 1 TFL.
CB Joe Haden 19 26% 1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined).
CB Jamar Taylor 19 26% 1 tackle (1 combined).
CB Najee Murray 11 15% 1 tackle (1 combined).

Notes:

  • The Browns’ starting cornerbacks weren’t really tested by the Saints, so maybe it was a good sign for their coverage. Jason McCourty seemed to be in the right position for a couple of plays.
  • Briean Boddy-Calhoun made two great tackles, and I just love the confidence that guy has. Gregg Williams will find a spot for him on this defense.
  • Channing Stribling and Alvin Hill did not see any defensive snaps, which can’t be too good for their roster odds.

Safety

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
S Calvin Pryor 34 46% 1 assist (1 combined).
S Kai Nacua 33 45% 2 tackles (2 combined).
S Justin Currie 29 39% 3 tackles (3 combined).
S J.D. Harmon 19 26% 1 assist (1 combined).
S Jabrill Peppers 16 22% No stats registered.
S Derrick Kindred 15 20% 3 tackles (3 combined).
S Ibraheim Campbell 2 3% No stats registered.

Notes:

  • Ibraheim Campbell had to leave the game after the second defensive play due to suffering a concussion.
  • Calvin Pryor saw the most reps, but still appears to be a third-teamer at this point who is unlikely to make the roster.
  • Justin Currie is making the most of his opportunity for one of the backup safety spots.

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