Browns’ defensive snap counts & stats: Preseason Week 3

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns' Week 3 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Notes:

• It was another great day for the Browns defense, and players have to love the opportunity to fill up the sack sheet in the preseason. Four sacks came on the defensive line.
• Myles Garrett didn’t register a tackle, but Pro Football Focus rated him as the best defensive player in the game because of how his pass rush is causing disruption with his teammates benefiting.

• It was good to see Emmanuel Ogbah use an inside move to force the right tackle to pass him off to the right guard (who ignored Ogbah) for a sack.
• Carl Nassib and Tyrone Holmes have been making plays later in games.

Notes:

• Another day and another impressive performance for Joe Schobert. During the offseason, we kind of dismissed the type of role that middle linebacker would have on this team. But Schobert is earning the right to be an everydown player with the consistency and finishing ability he’s shown this preseason, and the snap count percentages right now indicate that he’ll be a staple on the field.
• Jamie Collins was a big-time disruptor against the run and rushing the passer. He did have one gaffe on a field goal, leading to a first down, but then Cleveland made up for it with a turnover on the drive.

Notes:

• Marcus Burley, back from a face laceration early in camp, defended two plays as tight as anyone could defend them. One of them led to an incomplete pass in the end zone (after replay review), and another one led to a first down despite his had being wedged between the receiver and the ball. The veteran could be making a late case for sticking on the roster as the fifth cornerback.
• Joe Haden brings a physical presence when he’s playing the run or blitzing off the edge, but still seems to need to find a groove in coverage.
• Najee Murray took a chance at undercutting a pass, but missed and it led to a big catch-and-run for Tampa.

Notes:

• This was a very interesting game for the Browns, as they seemed to switch Derrick Kindred back to the strong/box safety role, which I feel he’s more suited for and he showed why against the Bucs.
• Jabrill Peppers played a single-high safety role and came away with the team’s first interception of the preseason. He also assisted on a double-team tackle on a third-down play that was shy of the sticks.