Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Cleveland Browns defense utilizes a 4-3 Wide-9 base scheme under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Cleveland Browns Defense?

The Cleveland Browns are right in the middle of the pack for the 2025 season, sitting at #14 in points allowed per game. Statistically, they are allowing 0.7 fewer points than the league average, which puts them ahead of the curve.

In the AFC North, they are setting the standard, ranking above the Pittsburgh Steelers (#17), Baltimore Ravens (#18) and Cincinnati Bengals (#30) in points allowed per game.

Relentless pressure is their calling card, as they consistently continually disrupt timing and force negative plays. They also have a knack for finding the football, generating turnovers at a solid rate.

53
Total Sacks
11
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is elite compared to the league median, while their secondary is capable (11 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Devin Bush has been an elite performer in 2025, contributing 125 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions to the team's efforts. It also helps that Grant Delpit is having a strong 2025, recording 89 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception.

What is the Cleveland Browns defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Jim Schwartz

The Cleveland Browns defense runs a 4-3 Wide-9 under coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Wide-9
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Jim Schwartz's Wide-9 let's the D-line attack the QB at all costs.

Key Principles

Attack FrontMan CoverageWide-9

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Cleveland Browns Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

🔥 This unit excels at creating negative plays. Expect a high weekly floor due to their sack and turnover potential.
Havoc Rate
ELITE
11.6/g
Turnovers
GOOD
1.5/g
Aggression
ELITE
6.9/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
11.6
ELITE
They disrupt the offense 11.6 times per game. This constant pressure forces bad throws and negative plays.
Ball Production
1.5
GOOD
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.5 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
6.9
ELITE
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 6.9 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Cleveland Browns defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
22.3 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Cleveland Browns defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
CB
Denzel Ward
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Maliek Collins
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 2
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Martin Emerson Jr.
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJul 30
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Dom Jones
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 18
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Anthony Kendall
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 7
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Linebacker
OutMay 12
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Winston Reid
Linebacker
Injured ReserveJan 3
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Carson Schwesinger
Linebacker
Injured ReserveJan 3
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Nathaniel Watson
Linebacker
Injured ReserveAug 21
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
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