Cleveland Browns: 5 reasons Baker Mayfield wins third straight at Texans
5. Stars on D can make the difference
It can’t be a coincidence that the Browns’ defense has looked a lot better ever since Joe Schobert returned from injury against the Falcons.
The Wisconsin product enters the contest as PFF’s second highest graded linebacker this season.
Schobert cuts his teeth by tackling and helping out in coverage, but he even injected himself into rushing the passer against the Bengals last week.
Schobert was notably in the face of Cincinnati’s Jeff Driskel on two occasions during the Bengals’ final drive last Sunday.
With Schobert leading Gregg Williams’ unit, the defense looks more organized and just plays better. It helps the secondary is healthy and Myles Garrett is rushing the passer.
Garrett had a sack last week in Cincinnati, but he was awfully close on several other snaps. Pro Football Focus credited Garret with eight quarterback hurries, in addition to his takedown.
Denzel Ward should see plenty of DeAndre Hopkins, and if you’re a Browns fan, you’ve got to be feeling good about the Ohio State rookie’s chances.
Damarious Randall continues to show a knack for takeaways, coming up with an interception against the Bengals–the one where he handed the ball to Hue Jackson.
Randall now has three interceptions, in addition to a fumble recovery.
Next. 5 Browns whose stock jumped against Bengals. dark
As a team, the Browns have forced 27 turnovers and are +14 in the turnover department.