Browns’ defensive snap counts, stats, and notes: Week 8 - Just enough to win

With the offense finally coming through, the defense did their part to stop the No. 1 ranked offense in the NFL.

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens.

• DL: Even though he didn’t have a big statistical day again, Myles Garrett is still impacting games in major ways. He was the Browns’ top-graded player by PFF, grading out to an 85.5. Right behind him with the second-best grade on defense was Za’Darius Smith (77.2). Per PFF, the duo combined with 18 pressures against the Ravens. The interior of the Browns’ line also deserve credit for maintaining gaps and helping limit Derrick Henry.
• LB: It sucks that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had to leave with a neck injury, but fortunately, it sounds like he will be OK. Prior to exiting, he had three tackles for a loss. Once again, Mohamoud Diabate stepped up at linebacker. After making one mistake on a facemask penalty, he made up for it the next play with a stop on Lamar Jackson. Devin Bush also continues to be a nice contributor.
• CB: After Denzel Ward exited early with an injury, it just seemed like once again that the secondary was the unit that eventually helped allow Baltimore’s offense to get going. It was also unfortunate because early on, the group knocked away a handful of passes, but never was able to secure any of them for interceptions.
• S: The Browns continue to utilize Rodney McLeod as their third safety. This unit hasn’t been electric for a bit, and it’s be nice to see them pick up on the solid play that the front six or seven are doing.