Browns’ defensive snap counts, stats, and notes: Week 4

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

• Wow, what can you say? As I said in my post-game recap, I considered this game a far more impressive defensive performance than the previous week. While the Browns brought pressure from different directions at times, the front four consistently won in the trenches and made Kirk Cousins uncomfortable.
• Myles Garrett was the Browns’ highest-graded defender, grading out to a 90.2. Garrett logged 7 pressures on Kirk Cousins and had a high impact in not allowing him to settle in. Jadeveon Clowney had a quiet day on the stat sheet, but was still a force — he was the Browns’ third-highest graded defender with a grade of 81.4.
• It was great to see Malik Jackson sway two passes down late in the game. He and Malik McDowell have combined to shatter my expectations for the team’s defensive front, and they are a big reason that Cleveland has the best run defense in the NFL.

• Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was all over the field again. Even though he only graded out to a 75.8, the eye test passed with flying colors for him again.
• Once again, I also liked what I saw from veteran Malcolm Smith. I haven’t seen enough of Anthony Walker to say who is a better fit for Cleveland once Walker returns, but all I know is that right now, the defense just turned in two lights out performances with Smith in there.
• Sione Takitaki returned from injury and logged 3 tackles. Mack Wilson’s playing time is now minimal.

• I’ve dumped on Greedy Williams quite a bit, and although he still has more to prove, he delivered a solid game against the Vikings, including snagging the first interception of the season off of Kirk Cousins. On top of that, Williams was graded an 86.4 by PFF, the second-highest mark on defense.
• Troy Hill had his best game with the club, even though he had a pass interference penalty in the fourth quarter that helped extend the game. Per PFF, Hill “saw a team-high six targets, yet surrendered just two catches for 20 yards and forced a game-high two incompletions.”
• A.J. Green played one snap and allowed a sideline catch (the play that Kevin Stefanski challenged). However, I don’t know if you can really complain about Green’s coverage, that was just a terrific catch by the receiver that was well-contested.

• Ronnie Harrison was ruled out early on due to the concussion protocol (which he’s already been cleared of). I swear that Harrison holds the record for the most games in which he starts, only to get injured or ejected within the first two snaps.
• Harrison’s departure allowed Grant Delpit to shine. Delpit played a career-high 65 snaps (97%), and was most remembered for the diving pass breakup he made in the second half — the stat was negated by a roughing the passer penalty away from the ball.