The Cleveland Browns secondary has been one of the best in the NFL through 14 weeks. They’ve allowed the fewest passing yards per game, only 16 passing touchdowns and have picked off opposing quarterbacks 12 times.
Some of that success can be attributed to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and the defensive line, but the cornerbacks and safeties have been especially stingy as well.
Two who’ve stood out are cornerbacks Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II. While Denzel Ward was out with a shoulder injury for the past three games, Emerson and Newsome stepped up in Week 14 with perhaps their two best individual performances of the season.
While Jaguars quarterback Lawrence managed 257 passing yards and three touchdowns, Emerson and Newsome were not the cause of Jacksonville’s high-flying offensive showing.
The Browns CB duo was 🔒⬇️ in Week 14 pic.twitter.com/fDWidltkC5
— PFF (@PFF) December 12, 2023
Emerson intercepted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence twice and allowed just four receptions on eight targets for 34 yards, while Newsome had an interception of his own as well as four defended passes and allowed just five receptions for 44 yards on 12 targets. The duo also allowed just 4.3 yards and 3.7 yards per target and didn’t give up a touchdown.
The Browns could get Ward back soon before Cleveland takes on a seemingly-easy slate of passers. Justin Fields, either C,J. Stroud or Davis Mills, Zach Wilson and Jake Browning await. None, save maybe for a healthy Stroud, should offer much resistance to this secondary.
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