Cleveland Browns: Defensive takeaways from the Week 4 loss

Jason McCourty exceeding expectations and helping defensive backs

Veteran defensive back Jason McCourty was thought to be well beyond his prime at this point in his career. Though, the 30-year old has exceeded expectations and provided the Browns a much-needed veteran presence.

McCourty naturally became the leader of the defensive back unit and has them playing well. Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Jamar Taylor have both fared well so far and look capable of starting for more than a few games.

Boddy-Calhoun has made his mark as a versatile defender with the ability to play numerous positions while Taylor was in shutdown form again against the Bengals. As PFF noted, Taylor broke up his only target in Sunday’s game.

McCourty has certainly made an impact each game and almost reeled in another interception on Sunday as well. If only Browns rookie Jabrill Peppers could somehow find a way to make a play on defense then these defensive backs could truly be something to talk more about. However, Williams has Peppers lined up 20 yards deep due to his inconsistencies in coverage (which was noted on A.J. Green‘s red zone touchdown).

Nonetheless, it’s still nice to see some decent play by the defensive backs and anytime A.J. Green doesn’t absolutely destroy your cornerbacks, it’s an accomplishment. T.Y. Hilton got the best of them last weekend but they made sure it wouldn’t happen again.

Next: Takeaways on offense from Week 4

McCourty has been a pleasant surprise alongside Derrick Kindred at the safety position and Boddy-Calhoun and Taylor seemingly have the cornerback positions under control. Once the Browns get Peppers in a situation to thrive under, the sky is the limit.