The Cleveland Browns secondary has been almost unbeatable this season.
They’ve allowed the fewest passing yards per game, the eighth-fewest passing touchdowns per game, the second-fewest net passing yards per attempt and have forced the fifth-most interceptions.
The individual players have also put together sensational seasons on their own. Martin Emerson Jr., Greg Newsome II and Denzel Ward rank among the top five cornerbacks in coverage success rate, according to Next Gen Stats.
Martin Emerson, Greg Newsome & Denzel Ward all rank among the top four cornerbacks in coverage success rate this season (min. 40 targets).
Opponents have lost a league-low -157.0 EPA on pass plays against the Browns, 3rd-lowest by a defense in a season since 2016.#DawgPound pic.twitter.com/gCqf4HEGsl
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 19, 2023
These numbers are insane, and it’s a big reason why the Browns are 9-5 and knocking on the door of a wildcard bid.
Another look at the trio: Emerson has two interceptions while Ward and Newsome II have two each. Ward also leads the NFL among cornerbacks in completion percentage allowed with 45.6 percent, while Emerson is second at 48.5 percent and Newsome II is fifth at 53.4 percent, among cornerbacks with at least 50 targets against. Ward has also allowed fewer than five yards per target, while Emerson and Newsome II allow 6.8 and 7.0 yards per target, respectively. Emerson is also one just six cornerbacks who haven’t allowed a touchdown this season.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has his unit playing near-flawless football and Cleveland has only allowed an opposing team to score more than 30 points just three times this season. With the secondary playing at an elite level, that allows the pass rush more time to get to the quarterback with their top-flight pass rush unit led by Myles Garrett.
