Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Defensive Line
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
DL |
Sheldon Richardson |
56 |
90% |
1 tackle, 4 assists (5 combined). 1 QH. |
DL |
Larry Ogunjobi |
55 |
89% |
2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). |
DL |
Eli Ankou |
38 |
61% |
1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). |
DL |
Porter Gustin |
37 |
60% |
1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). |
DL |
Chad Thomas |
24 |
39% |
1 tackle (1 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH. |
DL |
Bryan Cox Jr. |
23 |
37% |
1 QH. |
DL |
Olivier Vernon |
12 |
19% |
1 tackle (1 combined). 1 QH. |
DL |
Brandin Bryant |
5 |
8% |
1 tackle (1 combined). |
- The Browns’ defense showed some pass rush early on in the game, but then Olivier Vernon appeared to re-aggravate his injury. It’s easy to always say, “I wish so-and-so could come back this week,” but when you see what can happen, it’s a reminder as to why teams are extra-careful sometimes with players.
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Chad Thomas had a sack on the first drive, but ultimately only played 39% of the snaps. He was injured in the second quarter and did return, but based on the low snap count usage, I have to imagine he was limited the rest of the way.
- While Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi played a full workload, the other two linemen the rest of the game were practically practice squad players recently. While they held up ok, there was never a point where Cleveland dominated the point of attack.
- Richardson’s offsides jump in the first half gave the first sign of life and confidence to Devlin Hodges, something the quarterback admitted as such after the game.
Linebacker
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
LB |
Joe Schobert |
62 |
100% |
3 tackles, 4 assists (7 combined). |
LB |
Mack Wilson |
60 |
97% |
6 tackles, 2 assists (8 combined). 1 FF. |
LB |
Sione Takitaki |
21 |
34% |
3 tackles (3 combined). |
LB |
Adarius Taylor |
1 |
1% |
No stats registered. |
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Joe Schobert made a couple of solid tackles early on, and the play of Mack Wilson continues to leave me intrigued.
-
Sione Takitaki continues to gain reps, as opposed to the Browns running a 4-2-5.
Cornerback
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
CB |
Denzel Ward |
61 |
98% |
3 tackles (3 combined). |
CB |
T.J. Carrie |
43 |
69% |
2 tackles, 3 assists (5 combined). |
CB |
Greedy Williams |
38 |
61% |
3 tackles (3 combined). |
CB |
Terrance Mitchell |
7 |
11% |
1 INT, 1 pass defended. |
- Pre-game, both Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams had interviews in which they acknowledged wanting to take the challenge to make some more plays. That didn’t happen, as both defensive backs seem to refuse to turn around to locate the football. This was the worst game for the cornerbacks all season for me, including T.J. Carrie, who hacked James Washington before he caught his touchdown.
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Terrance Mitchell stepped in for an injured Williams and immediately had an interception. I know Williams is being developed, but I’d rather have Mitchell starting alongside Ward.
Safety
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
Pos |
Player |
Plays |
% |
Stats |
S |
Juston Burris |
62 |
100% |
3 tackles, 1 assist (4 combined). 1 TFL. |
S |
Sheldrick Redwine |
61 |
98% |
4 tackles, 2 assists (6 combined). 1 pass defended. |
S |
JT Hassell |
16 |
26% |
2 tackles (2 combined). |
- With Damarious Randall out, Sheldrick Redwine got the start, and wouldn’t you know it — he was the Browns’ highest-graded defensive player against Pittsburgh: