Through three weeks, the Browns have boasted the best defense in the NFL. They’ve allowed 335 total passing yards and 156 total rushing yards. After Monday night’s games, they could rank first in both categories. Their 14 first downs allowed are the fewest in the league (No. 2 is the Rams at 14, who have only played two games thus far). Cleveland’s 3.5 net yards allowed per pass attempt is nearly one yard fewer than No. 2 on the list (Baltimore/San Francisco 4.3).
Schwartz’s attacking defense fit perfectly on paper this offseason. They’ve proved it on the field through three weeks. The additions of Ogbo Okoronkwo, Za’Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris up front have been a home run thus far.
But Myles Garrett remains the draw that stirs the Browns’ drink. Sunday he dominated, generating 3.5 sacks, eight QB pressures and a forced fumble.
“I don’t know. I’m running out of things (to say about Myles),” Stefanski said. “Teams come in here and they say, don’t let 95 wreck the game. And he continues to do it.”
Next week, Lamar Jackson and the rival Baltimore Ravens head to Cleveland, a much bigger test than they faced Sunday.