The Cleveland Browns continue to set records in 2023.
The defense has allowed the fewest first downs through Week 10 since 1992 with just 113 in a nine-game span. Unsurprisingly, that number also ranks first in the NFL this year and is 37 fewer first downs than the Dallas Cowboys.
Fewest first downs allowed through Week 10 since 1992:
1. 2023 @Browns (9 games) 113
2t. 1993 Steelers (8 games) 117
2t. 1997 49ers (9 games) 117
4. 1993 Vikings (8 games) 118— Dan Murphy (@DMurph_BrownsPR) November 14, 2023
Oddly enough, the 17 first downs the Browns allowed in their Week 10 win over the Baltimore Ravens was tied for the second-most by the team this season. The Browns allowed fewer than 10 first downs in four other contests this year, which helped fuel the team’s record-setting mark. The unit also owns some other incredible metrics and NFL records.
This performance is even more impressive when you consider how the defense has stopped teams from getting first downs. The Browns have allowed a third-and-long (seven or more yards) at league-high rate of more than 34 percent. That’s helped Cleveland keep opponents from moving the chains at a league-low rate of 25.9 percent.
So while it’s already difficult for teams to gain yards against the Browns –who rank first in fewest total yards allowed – it’s even more difficult for them to get to third-down-and-manageable and then convert. The Ravens, who rank sixth in third-down conversion rate after their Week 10 bout with the Browns, only picked up a first down twice on eight third-down attempts.
Cleveland returns home to face a Pittsburgh Steelers team that’s only converted 36.1 percent of its third down attempts – which ranks 23rd in the NFL.
