Tag: Maurice Hurst

Browns force huge fumble as Ravens were driving

The Browns get a massive turnover!

Just in the nick of time. As the Baltimore Ravens had driven the football into plus territory, the Cleveland Browns forced a much-needed and massive turnover. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Justice Hill mucked up a handoff, putting the ball on the turf, as defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was more than happy to jump on it. With starting quarterback Deshaun Watson out, the defense is going to continue to be relied on.

Outside of a one-play drive off of a Dorian Thompson-Robinson interception, the Jim Schwartz-led defense has been as advertised once again in today’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The pressure has been constant as the game currently sits at 7-3 in Baltimore’s favor.

Can the Thompson-Robinson-led offense scrounge some points together on the scoreboard to help them out? It has been tough sledding for that side of the football thus far, but there is still well over two quarters of play to go in this one for the rookie and the offense to get this figured out.

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PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns’ defensive players vs. Steelers

It was another great showing for the defense of the Browns as Myles Garrett and Grant Delpit continue to grade out as elite.

The defense of the Cleveland Browns played more than good enough for the team to win this week’s matchup if not for mistakes made by the offense. Grant Delpit continued his impressive start with another great game, including an interception on the first drive and a fumble recovery in the first quarter as well against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Myles Garrett was Myles Garrett again in this one as well.

It was clear that the Steelers didn’t want to let the Browns’ pass rush and defensive line dictate the game as they utilized the short and quick passing game to limit the damage. The defensive tackle room has truly seen a complete turnaround as they continue to shut down the run and rush the passer.

Overall Jim Schwartz has his players playing at a high level to begin the season and if the offense can limit the mistakes moving forward this team can still make the playoffs. Let’s take a look at who PFF believes stood out the most against the Steelers.

Browns Injury Report: DTs banged up as Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst miss practice with Steelers close

The Browns have some injuries to sort out…

The Cleveland Browns are looking to move to 2-0 for the first time in 30 years as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this Monday night on primetime television. The Steelers will come in hungry as they are coming off the heels of a beatdown loss at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. As Cleveland prepares for this matchup, however, numerous contributors like defensive tackles Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst have some injuries to work through.

While there are a number of players who sat out on scheduled days of rest, there are another handful that warrant some concern. The Steelers had a pretty long list as well, so both teams will look to take advantage of the long week before they meet on Monday Night Football.

Here is the full list of Browns who appeared on Thursday’s injury list with four days to get right before they take on the Steelers.

Fixing the run defense: A deep dive into the defensive tackle room

Can the Browns finally solve their run defense woes this year?

The defensive tackle room for the Cleveland Browns has yet to find success under the Andrew Berry-Kevin Stefanski regime. The unit has faced constant turnover, with Jordan Elliott the only remaining player from last season. They hope the signing of Dalvin Tomlinson or the drafting of Siaki Ika can bring long-term stability

Elliott, one of Berry’s first draft picks, has played with nearly 15 different defensive tackles over his four-year career. The Browns desperately need stability in the middle of their defense. The late addition of Shelby Harris helped shore up an uninspiring unit.

The Browns’ horrible run defense cost the team many wins last year. It was an easily exploitable unit, mainly due to the defensive tackles. If the Cleveland Browns’ defense is to succeed this season, then the run defense will need to vastly improve the run defense. These are my biggest questions about the defensive tackle room’s short-term and long-term viability as run defenders.

PFF’s 10 highest-graded defensive players vs. Chiefs

The starters showed plenty to be excited about

When the defensive starters were on the field for the Cleveland Browns in Kansas City against the Chiefs, they gave fans plenty to look forward to. It started with former Chief Juan Thornhill breaking perfectly on a pass and returning it for a pick-six. Granted that wasn’t against Patrick Mahomes but it was still something nice to see from Thornhill.

The defensive line, again without Myles Garrett, showed exactly why some people think they can be a top-flight unit. All in all, there was plenty to like from the Browns and this is who stood out the most according to PFF in Saturday’s preseason finale.

Deep dive into the defensive tackle room before cutdowns

Determining who may stay and who may go in the Browns Defensive tackle room.

Before the cutdown day arrives for the Cleveland Browns, I wanted to take a quick look at the defensive tackle room, focusing specifically on the number of snaps the unit will see and how this could affect the building of the defensive tackle room led by free agent signing Dalvin Tomlinson. 

The signing of Shelby Harris a fortnight ago filled a large hole for the Browns. The Browns were able to acquire a veteran presence who can be counted on for 500 snaps over the season. This addition can let the Browns be more flexible when filling out the rest of the defensive tackle room. As of late, the Browns have rostered 5 defensive tackles during the season. 

The defensive tackles have averaged 2146 snaps over the last three seasons according to Pro Football Reference. The number of snaps has trended down every year, as the Browns prioritize playing three or four defensive ends in obvious passing situations. The Browns will likely use these “NASCAR” packages this season. Za’Darius Smith, the new Browns’ starting defensive end, is one of the most productive pass rushers when lined up over a guard or center. If the Browns remain reliant on defensive ends instead of defensive tackles, then the room should see a snap count under 2100 snaps. This could lead to the Browns only carrying four defensive tackles into the season. 

Andrew Berry rostered four defensive tackles in his first year. The 2020 defensive tackle room consisted of Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi, Jordan Elliott, and Vincent Taylor. The group played 2,261 snaps, a team-high over the past three years. That was clearly too high of a workload for the group as the Browns have reduced the total amount of snaps while adding players to alleviate fatigue. Andrew Berry could roster only four defensive tackles again if the snap count and workload can be managed appropriately. This is how I see the defensive tackle room shaking out under that assumption. I included the amount of snaps played by each defensive tackle over the last three seasons.

5 players to watch in the preseason finale vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Which players need to perform the best on Saturday?

It has been a fun preseason for the Cleveland Browns who have already played three having beat the New York Jets in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game. The team still lacks a lot of answers at the running back position behind Nick Chubb. Jordan Wilkins has the best chance to earn a roster spot in Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs as the team searches for playable running backs.

The linebacker room has the most questions with young players and special teams contributors. Could the Browns keep multiple undrafted free agents to make the final 53-man roster?

Here’s a look at the five players with the most to gain from a positive appearance in the final preseason game.

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Browns: 5 players who have earned roster spots in the preseason

These five players have shown they should make the final roster

Each year there are players that perform in both training camp and the preseason that you don’t always expect. The roster of the Cleveland Browns has come a long way since Andrew Berry took over as general manager as he will have some tough decisions to make come cut downs. The wide receiver room went from lacking talent to having talent in the group that will likely not make the roster as Austin Watkins Jr. continues his surge.

There have been some impressive performances on both sides of the ball from players that weren’t expected to perform as well as they have. These five players have been impressive so far and deserve to make the team’s final 53-man roster.

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns defenders vs. the Eagles

Who topped the Browns list of top defenders on Thursday?

The defense of the Cleveland Browns had an impressive start to Thursday’s against the Philadelphia Eagles. They started the game by forcing an early safety to get Cleveland on the board first. Rookie undrafted free agent linebacker Mohamoud Diabate continued to show that he can be a nice depth piece for the team. He played fast diagnosing the play in front of him quickly and exploding to the ball to make a play.

Before exiting early with an injury, one he has been cleared of, Ronnie Hickman made another interception as he fights for a roster spot. The Browns also debuted new defensive tackle Shelby Harris as he works to get up to speed.

Here are PFF’s best Browns defensive players from their third preseason game against the Eagles.

Podcast: Browns standouts and disappointments vs the Commanders

Who stood out and who disappointed the most on Friday

Each preseason game presents opportunities for young players to prove themselves and for veterans to get up to speed for the regular season. The Cleveland Browns played their starters for the first time and the defensive line, even without Myles Garrett, was causing havoc with newcomers Za’Darius Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo making their presences felt.

Deshaun Watson looked miles more comfortable in his one series and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson continued to shine. Rookie Ronnie Hickman Jr might have been the player that shined the most with his two interceptions.

You can watch this episode by clicking here to hear all of the biggest standouts and disappointments from Friday’s game.

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