Cleveland Browns: A Defensive Powerhouse in 2025 🏈

An Elite Run-Defense Unit

The Cleveland Browns have taken the league by storm with their run defense now ranking at the very top. This impressive feat is highlighted by their PFF run-defense grade and the remarkable depth at which tackles are made, resulting in minimal negative plays.

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When the Green Bay Packers traveled to Cleveland to face the struggling Browns, many anticipated a straightforward victory for the Packers, especially as they had just celebrated impressive wins against the Lions and Commanders. However, in a jaw-dropping twist, the Browns pulled off a stunning upset with a final score of 13-10. This game might just become one of the most unexpected results of the 2025 season.

While the remarkable work of Cleveland's special teams, including a blocked field goal and a game-winning 55-yard kick, deserves attention, it was the defense that truly stole the show.

Cleveland’s Stellar Defense

The defense has delivered an outstanding performance throughout the initial three games of the season. Currently, the Browns lead in overall PFF grade (88.0), hold the 12th position in EPA per play, rank third in overall success rate, and sit eighth in the scoring drive allowed rate. What factors are contributing to this significant turnaround?

Myles Garrett: A Force to be Reckoned With 🔥

A key player contributing to this success is Myles Garrett. The four-time All-Pro continues to shine in 2025. Among qualified edge rushers, Garrett boasts an impressive overall PFF grade of 91.4, ranking second, as well as an 87.3 run-defense grade, also in second place. His pass-rushing grade of 92.0 is ranked first, and he comes in second for pass-rush win rate at 29.3%.

Garrett’s remarkable skills aren’t new and have long been recognized. He’s on the path to crushing his fifth consecutive season with an overall grade above 90. However, in the past, many Browns defenses struggled despite having such an exceptional player.

Team Contributions Matter 📈

This season, Garrett isn’t solely relying on his abilities. He has received valuable help from other players along the defensive line. Maliek Collins has stepped up significantly as he showcases a 90.8 overall PFF grade, leading qualified interior defenders in both pass-rushing grade (91.5) and pass-rush win rate (23.6%). Additionally, Adin Huntington, an undrafted free agent, has created two pressures in just 21 pass-rushing snaps, while the fifth overall pick, Mason Graham, has accumulated six pressures of his own. Collectively, these efforts have positioned Cleveland’s defensive line as the best for both PFF pass-rushing grade and pass-rush win rate to date.

A Strong Unit Throughout 🎯

Pressure from the line is critical, but Cleveland’s defensive success extends beyond just that. The Browns' linebackers rank fourth overall in their PFF grades through three games. Second-round pick Carson Schwesinger may be lesser-known, yet he currently holds second place among all qualified defensive rookies with an 81.6 overall PFF grade. His skills shine through in covering tackles, rushing the passer, and defending against the run. Devin Bush, too, is making an impression with an impressive overall PFF grade of 88.2, which places him sixth among all qualified linebackers.

Even the secondary has shown significant improvement, even if it hasn't yet reached peak performance. Six out of seven Browns players who have taken more than 60 coverage snaps this season have achieved a grade above 62.5 in coverage. Notable is Denzel Ward, whose 62.7 coverage grade might be underwhelming by his own standards, yet still reflects a solid performance this season.

Cleveland's ability to consistently apply pressure—the team ranks seventh with a 43% pressure rate—has proven key to their defensive success. Adding to the accolades, the Browns exhibit excellent discipline. They have recorded the fourth-fewest missed tackles in the league while allowing only 15 explosive plays thus far, which is the fourth-lowest ranking. Remarkably, only three of those have come from ground attacks.

Run Defense Deserving of Applause 🙌

Perhaps what stands out most is how defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has operated. By capitalizing on the talent available, the Browns’ defense excels without implementing anything overly radical. Their blitz rate stands at just 18.4%, marking the second-lowest in the NFL, while their stunt rate is 27th at 12.9%. Schwartz primarily favors a Cover 1 scheme, running it on 40.8% of coverage snaps—almost 8% more than any other team. Simply put, Schwartz places faith in a nearly unblockable pass rush while maintaining a league-high reliance on man coverage.

In summary, the Browns' defensive lineup not only hosts what many consider the best player in the league but also engages various formidable options to pressure the quarterback. The back seven features several highly graded players, refraining from yielding significant plays, and, crucially, avoiding self-inflicted mistakes. This makes for a promising recipe for sustained success throughout the season, even if some regression is anticipated.

A Challenging Path Ahead

Cleveland has not skated through an easy schedule. In Week 1, they limited Joe Burrow and the Bengals to a -0.170 EPA per play alongside just 17 points. They exhibited this same capability against the Packers in Week 3, holding them to a -0.116 EPA per play with only one significant rush recorded. While the Ravens put up 41 points in Week 2, the Browns were able to control their dynamic rushing game to a -0.265 EPA per play with zero yards before contact.

Looking back to just two years ago, Schwartz led a unit that was among the NFL’s elite, ranking first in EPA per play and overall efficiency. This dominance propelled the Browns to a surprising playoff appearance, even though their offense was rated just 28th overall.

The Coming Season 📅

This season presents challenges with an offense currently languishing in 32nd place overall and 30th in EPA per play. Perhaps the previous strategy won’t be as effective for head coach Kevin Stefanski in what feels like a do-or-die situation. However, if Cleveland’s burgeoning defense can maintain this high level of performance, the Browns may very well remain competitive, with the potential for more surprising victories on the horizon.

As the season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see just how high the Browns' defense can take them! 🏆