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Cleveland Browns defense ranks high in quarterly report card

By Matthew McFatridge

Oct 3, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) and defensive end Takkarist McKinley (55) react during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) and defensive end Takkarist McKinley (55) react during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Oct 3, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) deflects a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns defensive grade: A-

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Cleveland Browns defense looked mighty shaky. So shaky, that fans made it known that they wanted the defensive coordinator fired immediately.

However, after four weeks of the 2021 season, the true shape of the Browns defense is beginning to show itself, and it’s better than anyone could have really hoped for.

While expectations for the defensive unit were higher than in 2020 due to the influx of talent, including names like defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, safety John Johnson III, and rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, nobody could have really expected the type of season the defense is having so far.

Through four games, Cleveland’s defense ranks in the top five in completion percentage allowed, passing yards allowed, and rushing yards allowed. While they have only forced three turnovers so far this season, they have made them at opportune times to help put themselves in good situations to score on offense.

Joe Woods has truly turned this defense around from a whimpering pup to a true dog that the Dawg Pound faithful can get behind. As the new faces continue to gel together, you can only expect it to get better as well.

Having a defense is still what wins championships in the NFL. While offense is what sells, defense is king, and Cleveland is building a very nice Super Bowl contender with their defense. With the youth the team has on that side of the ball, you can expect to see much of the same dominance, if not even more of it, in the coming weeks and years.

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