Cleveland Browns: Defensive takeaways from the Week 5 loss

The Cleveland Browns defense played well and No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett provided a spark in Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets.

We are five weeks into the 2017 NFL season and the Cleveland Browns remain winless. The recent game against the New York Jets, led by former Browns quarterback Josh McCown, was considered to be the Browns’ best chance at a win for in the near future.

However, the offense turned the ball over several times in the red zone and kicker Zane Gonzalez missed two field goals. As miserable as the offense played, the defense stepped up and gave a strong performance.

Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, made his debut in dramatic fashion getting a sack on his first career snap. Garrett played less than 20 snaps, though it was expected as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Jason McCourty impressed yet again with an interception and a forced fumble as well as breaking up numerous passes. The veteran has contributed more than anticipated and is shaping up to be one of the best offseason acquisitions by the Browns

The defense only allowed 212 total yards and was once again strong defending the run. On 18 attempts, the Jets ran for a disappointing 34 yards which totals to a whopping 1.9 yards per carry. To this point, Cleveland ranks No. 6 in the NFL allowing 76.6 yards per game – a feat that was difficult to come by in previous season.

Despite inconsistencies in defending the pass, the Browns have played well overall in the secondary, too. They rank No. 5 in the NFL in total defense giving up only 304.8 yards per game. Of course the Steelers and Bengals, who the Browns lost to, both rank ahead of Cleveland in that respect.

Sunday was certainly an up-and-down game against the Jets, but the Browns defense supplied some much-needed energy to Browns fans.