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Browns’ defensive snap counts & stats: Preseason Week 2

Which veteran defensive linemen was playing with the backups this week? Desmond Bryant.

NFL: New York Giants at Cleveland Browns Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns' Week 2 preseason game against the New York Giants.

Defensive Line

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
DL Carl Nassib 29 50% 1 tackle (1 combined). 1 TFL.
DL Tyrone Holmes 26 45% No stats registered.
DL Desmond Bryant 23 40% 3 tackles, 2 assists (5 combined).
DL Myles Garrett 22 38% 1 tackle (1 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL Emmanuel Ogbah 22 38% 1 assist (1 combined).
DL Larry Ogunjobi 22 38% No stats registered.
DL Xavier Cooper 21 36% No stats registered.
DL Trevon Coley 20 34% No stats registered.
DL Jamie Meder 13 22% No stats registered.
DL Karter Schult 12 21% 1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). 1 QH.

Notes:

  • With Danny Shelton out, the Browns went with Jamie Meder and Trevon Coley as their defensive tackles.
  • That’s notable because it meant that veteran Desmond Bryant saw most of his work with the backups, and was even on the field during the final drive. Injuries to Shelton and Caleb Brantley could explain why he was needed so late.
  • Myles Garrett didn’t have as groundbreaking of a day as one might have thought against Ereck Flowers, but he didn’t struggle by any stretch. He also picked up his first sack, coming against Geno Smith before the end of the first half.

Linebacker

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
LB Kenneth Olugbode 31 53% 2 assists (2 combined).
LB Christian Kirksey 28 48% 1 tackle (1 combined). 1 TFL.
LB Joe Schobert 23 40% 5 tackles, 1 assist (6 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH, 1 pass defended.
LB Jamie Collins 23 40% 1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined).
LB Dominique Alexander 20 34% 1 fumble recovery.
LB James Burgess 18 31% 3 tackles (3 combined).
LB Tank Carder 8 14% No stats registered.
LB Deon King 5 9% No stats registered.
LB B.J. Bello 5 9% No stats registered.
LB Ladell Fleming 5 9% No stats registered.

Notes:

  • The season-ending injury to Tank Carder opens the door for Joe Schobert and Kenneth Olugbode to have roles in the defense this year. Schobert is really finishing plays strong this preseason, and has also made a couple of plays in pass coverage.
  • Christian Kirksey played nearly half the game, as minimal reps were given to the likes of Deon King, B.J. Bello, and Ladell Fleming on the back end of the depth chart. James Burgess had 3 tackles in limited time.

Cornerback

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun 35 60% 3 tackles (3 combined). 1 INT, 1 pass defended.
CB Joe Haden 29 50% 1 tackle (1 combined).
CB Jamar Taylor 28 48% 2 tackles (2 combined).
CB Jason McCourty 23 40% 4 tackles (4 combined). 1 FF, 1 fumble recovery.
CB Darius Hillary 18 31% 1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined).
CB Trey Caldwell 8 14% No stats registered.
CB J.D. Harmon 8 14% No stats registered.
CB Channing Stribling 6 10% 1 tackle (1 combined).
CB Alvin Hill 6 10% 1 tackle (1 combined).
CB Najee Murray 5 9% No stats registered.

Notes:

  • Briean Boddy-Calhoun is certainly endearing himself to defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He’s laying the biggest hits on defense and making big play after big play. This week, it was the hit on Odell Beckham and the interception at the goal line.
  • Jason McCourty also had a big play, stripping and recovering a fumble on a wide receiver screen pass. All four of the team’s top cornerbacks have their roster spots locked up, with Darius Hillary trying to make it as the fifth guy among a crowded competition.

Safety

Pos Player Plays % Stats
Pos Player Plays % Stats
S Jabrill Peppers 28 48% 3 tackles, 1 assist (4 combined).
S Kai Nacua 22 38% 2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). 1 pass defended.
S Justin Currie 22 38% 3 tackles, 1 assist (4 combined).
S Derrick Kindred 17 29% 2 assists (2 combined).
S Calvin Pryor 7 12% No stats registered.

Notes:

  • The way things are shaping up, Ed Reynolds might just walk back in to a starting role when he comes back from injury. This week, Justin Currie left with an ankle injury and Ibraheim Campbell is still dealing with a concussion.
  • Jabrill Peppers is making his mark on punt returns, but his presence also appeared to make Brandon Marshall alligator-arm a pass that should’ve been completed. Peppers’ hit might have also forced a shoulder injury on Marshall.