3 defensive players that shined for the Browns in Week 3
By Jacob Roach
The Browns moved to 2-1 Thursday after they beat the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland here are 3 defensive players who stood out in the win.
After a historic collapse leading to a heartbreaking loss in Week 2 against the Jets, the Cleveland Browns bounced back on Thursday and moved to 2-1 on the season. Much has been said about the defense’s poor play, especially late in the team’s first two games of the year. With a lead late in this game, the defense stood tough and helped the team seal a victory.
Let’s take a look at three Browns defenders that stood out in Thursday’s win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
3 defensive players that shined for the Browns in Week 3
No. 3: Jacob Phillips, Linebacker
During the first two weeks of the season leading into Week 3 against the Steelers, third-year linebacker Jacob Phillips had struggled. While there were still some issues this week he really flashed and showed potential especially with increased snaps after the injury to Anthony Walker.
Phillips displayed great speed and athleticism, something that was his calling card in college when he lead the LSU Tiger defense. He had the team’s only sack on quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and showed great coverage skills including a big pass breakup late in the game.
He still needs to clean up the tackling issue with another missed tackle but if he can continue to be strong in coverage and a sure tackler this defense will be better for it.
With Walker now lost for the season, Jacob Phillips will need to take another step forward for the defense to succeed.