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4 players who will propel Cleveland Browns into 2020 NFL playoffs

By J.T. Soderlund

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 06: Myles Garrett #95of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his teammates after warmups prior to their game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 06: Myles Garrett #95of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his teammates after warmups prior to their game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Karl Joseph, Safety

Karl Joseph can play a pivotal role down the stretch for the Browns. He is a great “in the box” safety who excels at stopping the run and the short passing game.

The Browns struggled to stop the run early in the season, but it seems like they may have had a breakthrough during the game against Tennessee last week. The Cleveland defense was able to hold Derrick Henry to 60 yards as the linebackers were able to shut him down early and often.

This was a relatively surprising performance given that the linebacking core has struggled in prior games and they are relatively inexperienced and unproven. B.J. Goodson and Mack Wilson especially stepped up, but it is uncertain whether they can be counted on every game.

Joseph missed some time with injuries earlier in the season and hasn’t seemed to be fully healthy until last week. A healthy Karl Joseph will do wonders for the Browns run defense. He will provide a stabilizing effect for the younger linebackers and fill the gaps with speed and power.

Now that Karl Joseph seems to be nearing full health, his increased presence on the defense will not only help stop the run but strike fear into opposing running backs.

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