Cleveland Browns snap count analysis shows surprises

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%

CORNERBACKS 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.