Points per game: 13.8 [1st] Yard per game: 280.2 [3rd] Yard per play: 4.5 [2nd] 1st downs per game: 16.8 [5th] 3rd down conversion %: 32% [5th] Penalties yardage: 294 [25th] Total turnovers: 13 [1st] ============================================ Other than the penalty yards [BS DPI calls come to mind] every category lies in top 5.
They've looked good many times so far. Still work to do. Side note, I'll be happy when we stop comparing our team to what's his names teams.
I love the fact that this version of the defense, gets off the field on 3rd down. How many big plays did Rex's defense have on 3rd downs?
I really like that we don't (that I recall) let little mistakes, become huge mistakes on defense. When Revis gives up a catch, he gets in position to make the tackle, it seems like that has rubbed of on others. Really like Cro, but that is something he needs to work on. Getting off the field has been great so far, it also keeps gas in the tank in the 4th.
Hard to make an argument that with Sheldon returning that the sky won't be the limit for this defense...
Skrine needs to continue his hot-streak. I don't think Sheldon's addition will impact this defense much (at least not at first). Leo and Wilkerson were already doing well, so I'm not sure how much better it can get by taking out Leo and putting in Sheldon. Sheldon has not played a game this year, is rusty, and will need time to adjust getting back. The biggest key to this defense for me is actually Marcus Gilchrist. I was expecting him to be the weak link of this defense and allow passes to go by him like Kyle Wilson. His play has been huge and he needs to continue being a solid player. The only big hole in the defense is the LBs in coverage. Those HB Wheel Routes have absolutely toasted us in the preseason and in the regular season (particularly the eagles game). The patriots, I expect, will target the LBs in coverage short and try to expose this. They are so incredibly good at doing this.
I'm not ready to proclaim this defense great because they haven't really played against a good offense yet. I think the New England game will tell us what this defense really is That being said, I really like what I have seen, especially the DBs. I just hope they stay healthy. Is there any news on how Leonard Williams is doing? Will he be ready to go next week?
While I don't know the stats, the defensive start (1st qtr) to Rex's 1st season was pretty ridiculous too (against better competition), so let's hope the rest of the NFL can't adjust. I'm happy so far though.
What's scary is that I don't even think they have played up to their potential. They are very talented and very well-coached. Always a good combination.
True. Rex's defense through the first half of his rookie season was awesome. The thing is, though, this defense is just more physically talented. Remember, Sheldon Richardson hasn't played a down yet.
outstanding start. the turnovers are most refreshing as we couldnt take the ball away last year. our pass rush has been a minor disappointment but hopefully richardson solves that. playing devils advocate, we havent faced many good qbs/offenses Johnny manziel/mccown Luck (currently 2nd worst in qb in football statistically and has been awful this year) Bradford Tannehill on the plus side, we will pretty much continue to play trash qbs outside of brady going forward
I'm hoping the Jets have Pryor and Skrine in the box against the Pats. Skrine'll be lined up on the slot receiver but it'll still give the Jets a couple of guys to manage the outlets over the middle.
McCown is the hottest QB in football right now. We got lucky we took him out of the game in the 1st quarter. He's at 67.8% completions with 6 TD's and 1 Int in 3 starts plus his 1 drive against us. He has 341, 356 and 457 yards passing the last 3 weeks, the latter a franchise record for the Browns.
Hey, remember that Lions preseason game where we gave up 2 quick touchdowns and our defense was supposed to suck balls? Are you guys going to take the preseason with a grain of salt next year?
