Cleveland Browns: Defensive snaps analysis
On defense, the Browns played a four-man front, although on four occasions they had an extra defensive end in place of a defensive tackle (numbers appended below). Takkarist McKinley did indeed make a showing for this game.
Their defense is described as a 4-2-5 base, which is truly an oversimplification. The author recalls a conversation with former Browns DC in which he claimed to have over 200 different formations in his playbook, and current DC Joe Woods can probably make the same claim. 4-2-5 is simply a reference point. The Browns are more interested in playing defensive backs than linebackers for today’s game.
It was shocking to see that longshot reject from the class of 2018, Malik McDowell, led the defensive tackles in snaps. Yet Andrew Billings, who was supposed to be a mainstay, was only on the field for 17% of the snaps. That was disappointing.
The Browns usually deployed only two linebackers. Their base defense is supposed to be 4-2-5 It was surprising that Anthony Walker was on the field for 95% of the downs, while no one else was on the field for more than 38% of the snaps.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was used in pass coverage much of the time, performing the role of a strong safety in the absence of Ronnie Harrison, who was enjoying time off, granted to him by the officials for sparring with Kansas City Chiefs assistant coaches.
The Browns often had to play four corners since they were short on safeties. They also needed help with Tyreek Hill, who is an amazing player. How did John Johnson get stuck covering Hill one-on-one on the 75-yard fourth pass play? That was a bit of an embarrassment.
DEFENSIVE ENDS: The Browns averaged 2.06 defensive ends on the field.
Jadeveon Clowney           DE  50   77%
Myles Garrett               DE  50   77%
Takkarist McKinley          DE  24   37%
Joe Jackson                 DE  10   15%
DEFENSIVE TACKLES: The Browns averaged 1.94 defensive tackles. Malik McDowell was the snaps leader. Everyone named Malik gets to play.
Malik McDowell                DT   45   69%
Malik Jackson                  DT   43   66%
Jordan Elliott                   DT   27   42%
Andrew Billings                DT   11   17%
LINEBACKERS: The Browns averaged 2.27 linebackers, although JOK might arguably be counted as a strong safety much of the time.
Anthony Walker               LB   62   95%
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah    LB   25   38%
Sione Takitaki                 LB   22   34%
Mack Wilson                  LB   22   34%
Malcolm Smith               LB   17   26%
CORNERBACKSÂ The Browns averaged 3.64 cornerbacks versus the Chiefs, a very high number, though if Ronnie Harrison had been available, perhaps that number might have been lower.
Greg Newsome              CB   63   97%
Denzel Ward                 CB   63   97%
M.J. Stewart                 CB   60   92%
Troy Hill                     CB   43   66%
Greedy Williams             CB    8    12%
SAFETIES: The Browns were playing without a true strong safety after Ronnie Harrison was invited to take the afternoon off by the officials after shoving a Chiefs coach. It might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but that type of undisciplined behavior can be costly.
John Johnson                FS    60   92%
Richard LeCounte            FS     5    8%
Ronnie Harrison              SS     5    8%
Next, special teams snaps are listed on the next page.