A massive problem under former defensive coordinator Joe Woods is that the Cleveland Browns could not get their defense off of the field on third downs. However, under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, that is far from an issue for the Browns through two weeks.
The Browns are now forcing the most three-and-outs of any defense in the NFL right now. According to Arjun Menon, the Cleveland defense is forcing three-and-outs at an astounding 62 percent clip thus far in 2023. This is a massive 10 percent leap above the second-highest rate as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are forcing three-and-outs at a 52 percent rate through two weeks.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Cleveland defense gave up just 13 points on the day as the offense also gave up another 13 on turnovers. On the season, Schwartz’s unit has surrendered just 15 points total through two weeks.
The Tennessee Titans, however, are forcing three-and-outs at a bottom-five rate, so if the Cleveland offense wants a jump start this is the week to do it.
How often defenses have forced three and outs this season.
Bengals have the 2nd lowest rate of forcing three and outs, while also having the highest three and out rate offensively. Doesn't seem like a winning combination to me pic.twitter.com/9W9hZ7i9Pn
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) September 21, 2023
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