Cleveland Browns: Defensive takeaways from the Week 5 loss

Jason McCourty turning back the clock, helping young secondary

Veteran defensive back Jason McCourty has been quite the pleasant surprise for the Browns.

When Jets quarterback Josh McCown threw his way on Sunday, the former Browns quarterback posted a 36.3 rating according to PFF. Overall, PFF graded him with a 91.6 grade – leading both teams.

McCourty now has two interceptions on the season as well as two forced fumbles and the 30-year-old vet continues to exceed expectations.

Once a questionable signing by the Cleveland Browns, McCourty has shifted opinions everywhere in Cleveland. Not only has he played well but he also provides this defense with a true leader.

Joe Haden, who was cut by the Browns several months ago, has struggled with the Pittsburgh Steelers this far. So the decision to sign McCourty and cut Haden, while unpopular at the time, has worked nicely. He has his fellow defensive backs playing as good as a Browns secondary has looked in years.

Jamar Taylor and Briean Boddy-Calhoun are playing as well as any Browns cornerback tandem have in recent memory. Taylor broke up a pass on a critical third down early on, forcing the Jets to punt. DeShone Kizer marched the team down the field, setting them up for a potential field goal .

Jabrill Peppers remains a serious concern, especially considering he was a first-round pick. The continuous misreads and inability to give himself a proper angle to tackle is beyond worrisome. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams must find a suitable role for Peppers on the defense before things get too ugly.

Nonetheless, the secondary – despite being inexperienced – continues to trend in the right direction.