Myles Garrett and the Browns Defense Face Their Biggest Challenge Yet
The Cleveland Browns defense has been a cornerstone of their success in recent years, anchored by star pass rusher Myles Garrett. However, their performance during Sunday’s 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs raised significant concerns. Despite Garrett’s elite performance, the rest of the defense struggled to contain the Chiefs’ offense, highlighting vulnerabilities that could spell trouble as the season progresses. With Pro Football Focus (PFF) grading the Browns defense across the board, the disparity between standout performances and glaring weaknesses became evident. As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, the pressure on Myles Garrett and the defensive unit has never been greater.
Myles Garrett’s Dominance Amid Defensive Struggles
In a game where much of the defense faltered, Myles Garrett once again proved why he’s among the NFL’s elite players. Garnering a stellar PFF grade of 90.0, Garrett consistently disrupted the Chiefs’ offense, showcasing his trademark blend of speed, power, and technique. His relentless pursuit of quarterback Carson Wentz was a bright spot in an otherwise bleak defensive showing.
While Garrett’s performance was elite, he lacked sufficient support from the rest of the defensive line. Isaiah McGuire (79.7) showed promise, but others, including Cameron Thomas (57.6) and Ogbo Okoronkwo (52.6), struggled to make an impact. Without consistent pressure from all sides, the Chiefs capitalized, exploiting the gaps in Cleveland’s front seven.
Defensive Tackle Woes and the Need for Improvement
The interior of the Browns’ defensive line also faced challenges. Veteran Dalvin Tomlinson, expected to be a stabilizing force, earned a disappointing grade of 56.5 over 50 snaps. Meanwhile, Shelby Harris (60.9) and Sam Kamara (53.8) failed to generate significant pressure or stop the run effectively.
Jowon Briggs, a relatively lesser-known name, emerged as a rare bright spot among the tackles with a solid grade of 74.1. However, his limited snap count (16 plays) underscores the lack of depth and consistent performance in the middle of the line. As the season progresses, the Browns must address these issues to prevent opposing offenses from dominating the trenches.
Linebackers and Secondary Show Mixed Results
The linebacker corps delivered a mixed bag of results. Jordan Hicks stood out with a respectable grade of 70.8, contributing solidly in coverage and run defense. However, others, including Mohamoud Diabate (39.7) and Devin Bush (50.9), struggled to make meaningful contributions, leaving gaps that the Chiefs exploited.
In the secondary, the performance of Denzel Ward was serviceable, earning a grade of 64.5, but far below his usual standards. Other cornerbacks, such as Martin Emerson Jr. (41.2) and Myles Harden (30.6), struggled significantly, allowing the Chiefs’ receiving corps to find open lanes. The safeties provided slightly better results, with Juan Thornhill leading the way at 83.3. However, Ronnie Hickman Jr. (68.0) and Grant Delpit (62.0) were unable to consistently contain the Chiefs’ offensive threats.
Chiefs Exploit Cleveland’s Weaknesses
The Chiefs demonstrated why they remain one of the league’s premier offenses, capitalizing on the Browns’ defensive lapses. DeAndre Hopkins led the charge with an impressive grade of 80.9, finding space against Cleveland’s secondary. The Chiefs’ offensive line, led by Trey Smith (74.5) and Jawaan Taylor (72.5), provided excellent protection for Carson Wentz, who earned a commendable 75.2 grade despite limited attempts.
The Browns’ inability to pressure Wentz consistently and their struggles in man-to-man coverage allowed Kansas City to control the tempo of the game. With Cleveland’s offense unable to compensate, the defensive shortcomings became the defining storyline of the matchup.
Looking Ahead: The Road Doesn’t Get Easier
As the Browns prepare for their next game, the challenges only intensify. Facing teams with dynamic offenses and strong quarterbacks, the defense must step up to support the efforts of Myles Garrett. Without improvement across the defensive line, linebacker unit, and secondary, Cleveland risks falling further behind in a highly competitive AFC North.
The coaching staff must address key issues, including shoring up the interior defensive line and refining the coverage strategies in the secondary. Integrating more consistent performers like Jowon Briggs and Jordan Hicks into critical situations could help stabilize the unit.
Myles Garrett: The Heart and Soul of the Defense
Despite the struggles around him, Myles Garrett continues to cement his status as one of the NFL’s premier defenders. His ability to impact games singlehandedly is a testament to his talent and work ethic. However, even a player of Garrett’s caliber cannot carry the defense alone. The Browns must find ways to elevate the performance of the entire unit to maximize Garrett’s contributions. The Cleveland Browns defense faces its toughest test yet, and the stakes could not be higher. While Myles Garrett remains a beacon of hope with his elite performances, the team’s defensive inconsistencies threaten to derail their season. From the defensive line to the secondary, every player must step up to meet the challenges ahead.
As the Browns navigate the remainder of their schedule, the ability to adapt and improve will define their success. For a team with postseason aspirations, the time to fix these defensive issues is now. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pressure is on.
