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Cleveland Browns: Grades from game vs. Jets

By Jonathan Goehring

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) tries to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) tries to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Chris Kirksey (58) gives chase during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Chris Kirksey (58) gives chase during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers: B

It was once again the Cleveland linebackers who stepped up for an otherwise struggling defense. They did this by both coming up to stop the run on numerous occasions, as well as playing well in pass coverage.

Christian Kirksey, Demario Davis and Emmanuel Ogbah all led the defense in tackles. Kirksey especially played very well in pass coverage, slowing the Jets’ middle-of-the-field pass attack until late in the second half.

Though the linebackers weren’t able to generate a great deal of pressure on Fitzpatrick, they also weren’t asked to since they were preoccupied with stopping a formidable New York rushing attack.

Against Powell and Matt Forte, the Browns gave up 158 yards to Jets running backs. This was mostly due to the defensive line though, as the linebackers were forced to make a lot of tackles after running backs slipped through the front three defenders.

Moving forward, it appears that the Browns are fortunate to have solid linebackers in Kirksey, Ogbah and Davis. This group, along with a committee of others, can have success filling these four slots. The problems the Browns have defensively are currently not due to their linebacker play.

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