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Cleveland Browns surprises and disappointments from first quarter of 2019

By Dan Justik

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands with his teammates during the national anthem before playing against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands with his teammates during the national anthem before playing against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets is hit by Greedy Williams #26 and Olivier Vernon #54 of the Cleveland Browns in the second half at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets is hit by Greedy Williams #26 and Olivier Vernon #54 of the Cleveland Browns in the second half at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

Disappointment – Olivier Vernon

The addition of Olivier Vernon was designed to give the Browns a fearsome combination off the edge that would make life difficult for offensive lines and quarterbacks. Instead, Myles Garrett is thriving but Vernon’s presence has been practically nonexistent.

Vernon has only made nine total tackles this season, including one sack, and four quarterback hits. He has generated some pressure, but is not getting home as often as he was expected to be. Vernon’s first sack of the season came against the Ravens Week 4.

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With Garrett being double-teamed often, the Browns were hoping Vernon could get in the backfield since he would often be placed in one-on-one situations. But Vernon has been unable to do so as often as anticipated.

Vernon has made contributions that are not recorded on the stat sheet. He has been able to push his blocker in the pocket, forcing the quarterback to move from the pocket. He just has not been finishing the plays with getting the quarterback to the ground.

Garrett had a strong start to the season, but it is unlikely he can continue the momentum with how often he is double-teamed. Cleveland needs the other edge rusher to generate pressure to prevent quarterbacks from having time to sit in the pocket.

Now that Vernon has his first sack of the season, he may start to build some confidence and get after the quarterback more. But there is no doubt the Browns defense needs the defensive end to collapse the pocket more often and finish plays with the quarterback on the ground. Garrett is going to need help, and Vernon is the defensive linemen who should be the player who steps up.

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