Browns vs. Packers: Preseason Week 1 defensive takeaways

Several things stood out for the Cleveland Browns on the defensive side of the ball in the preseason opening loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Head Coach Hue Jackson understands his Cleveland Browns need a lot of work all over the field after a 17-11 against the Green Bay Packers loss to open the preseason.

“It’s good to get out and get in the game against a different opponent, but it kind of gave us an idea of where we are,” Jackson said in his postgame press conference. “We have to get better and we need to get better in a lot of different areas and I think we understand that.”

When asked about the defense’s performance Jackson said, “I thought the defense battled… they gave us a chance to stay in the game, again one of our goals is to take the ball away we got one, we want more.”

More from Dawg Pound Daily

• How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
• Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
• 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
• Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
• 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target

Defensively the Browns were simply on the field too long Friday night. The Packers virtually doubled the Browns time of possession 39:44 to 20:16. The Packers also ran 80 plays in the game compared to just 44 by the Browns offense.

The defense was victim of committing a roughing the punter penalty that gave Green Bay a first down on their opening drive. The defense was also stuck in a hole field position-wise when Raheem Mostert fumbled a kick return and Green Bay recovered.

Overall, Coach Jackson was right by saying the defense battled and played tough but often punished themselves by making silly mistakes, keeping them on the field. Take away the two safeties by the Browns offense in the fourth quarter and the Browns collective defensive unit only gave up 13 points.

Despite sloppy play at times there were bright spots along the defense that gives fans and coaches something to look forward to.

1. The play of Jamie Meder

Second-year defensive lineman Jamie Meder delivered the Browns their first points of the season by tackling Packers running back James Starks in the end zone for a safety. Meder had an impressive all-around game, showing the ability to rush and generate pressure from his inside position of nose tackle.

Meder also offers the Browns an ability to clog the middle on runs and free up linebackers to make tackles. Since joining the Browns in 2014, Meder has played with intensity and physicality. He gives the Browns solid depth along the defensive line and gives the unit another big body to play inside.

Meder played in all 16 games last season, sharing defensive line time with Danny Shelton. He finished 2015 with 33 tackles and 1 sack.

2. The rookie defenders

Another bright spot was the combination of two rookies, Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib. Both rookies had solid debuts by making plays and showing their future potential. Ogbah led both teams with six tackles in his pro debut.

Ogbah was originally set to convert to outside linebacker this season. However, with the injury to Desmond Bryant, he has been playing exclusively on the line through training camp.

Nassib came away with a sack and a tackle for loss showcasing his potential. Nassib is a tall and lanky pass rusher and is raw in terms on experience playing defensive end.

However, with his athletic ability and frame, the coaching staff is excited about the future of Nassib. The former Penn State Nittany Lion did exactly what he was drafted to do, and that is generate a pass rush and get to the quarterback.

Nassib played exclusively as an edge rusher at Penn State but now is being shifted around the Browns’ line to inside. The more versatile Nassib is, the more value he presents to Ray Horton and the defensive unit.

3. An impressive INT

Another positive was the interception in the red zone by second-year player Eric Patterson. Patterson was undrafted out of Ball State and has spent time in the league with New England, Indianapolis and St. Louis. He was signed this past May by the Browns.

Patterson is trying to make the roster in a crowded defensive backs spot. However, coaches will take notice of his interception in his efforts to make the squad.

4. A declining talent

One negative on the day would be fourth-year linebacker Barkevious Mingo. Mingo was receiving playing time late into the second half yesterday and failed to really show anything given the extended playing time.

Next: Browns drop preseason opener

A play worth noting is when Mingo came free off the edge on a pass rush and whiffed on the sack and allowed the Packers to get a first down and keep the drive alive. Mingo can’t afford to let these opportunities to impact the game slip if he wants to contribute this season.