The Cleveland Browns showcased a dominant performance in their recent shutout against the Arizona Cardinals, with their run defense setting the tone.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz emphasized the importance of stopping the run before the game, as it has consistently been a key factor in the Browns’ defensive success. This was evident in their victory over the Cardinals, marking their first shutout since 2007.
Schwartz expressed the need for a stronger start and an effective run defense, highlighting that when they control the run game, their defense excels. This strategy played out perfectly against the Cardinals, who managed only 41 yards on 21 rushing attempts, with quarterback Clayton Tune contributing 28 yards on scrambles. The Browns’ ability to stifle the Cardinals’ rushing game forced them into obvious passing situations, where the defense thrived.
The statistics reflect the Browns’ defensive dominance:
- Limited the Cardinals to 7 first downs.
- Held them to a 1/12 conversion rate on 3rd downs.
- Allowed just 17 net passing yards (due to 7 sacks for a loss of 41 yards).
- Restricted the Cardinals to 41 rushing yards, averaging a mere 1.2 yards per play.
- Forcibly caused 3 turnovers.
While the Cardinals started a rookie quarterback in his first-ever start, the Browns have consistently demonstrated that when they control the run, they can effectively shut down even more potent offenses, as seen in games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans.
This game exemplified the significance of stopping the run in the Browns’ defensive strategy. By stifling the run, they can tailor their personnel to focus on rushing the passer, while their defensive backs and linebackers can anticipate and defend against the pass more effectively.
The Browns’ defensive unit operated as a cohesive team, with notable performances from players like Dalvin Tomlinson, who contributed 2.5 of the team’s seven sacks by maintaining his pass rush lane. Several Browns players were involved in the sack plays, and Myles Garrett, although credited with just one sack, played a pivotal role in causing others. Shelby Harris’s sack fumble set the stage for a quick touchdown.
The Browns’ defenders disrupted 10 of Clayton Tune’s 20 pass attempts, with eight pass deflections and interceptions by Denzel Ward and Sione Takitaki.
Apart from minor concerns about Tune’s ability to roll to his right, the Browns’ defensive performance was nearly flawless. The challenge now lies in maintaining this level of effort as they face the Baltimore Ravens on the road and the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in upcoming divisional matchups.
In their recent games against the Bengals, Steelers, Titans, 49ers, and Cardinals, the Browns conceded a total of just 305 rushing yards, with 108 of those yards coming from the 49ers, averaging 61 yards per game. In these five games, the defense allowed only 35 points.
Conversely, against the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Baltimore Ravens, the Browns gave up a total of 415 rushing yards, averaging 138.3 yards per game, along with an average of 28 points allowed in these games.
While the Cardinals may have been a weaker opponent, the Browns’ blueprint for success remains consistent. The challenge for Schwartz and the Browns’ defense is to replicate this performance in their upcoming rematch against the Ravens on the road
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