Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns’ first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
Pos
Player
Plays
%
Stats
DL
Julian Okwara
34
61%
2 tackles (2 combined). 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 2 QH.
DL
Cameron Thomas
32
57%
1 tackle (1 combined). 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL
Ralph Holley
25
54%
1 assist (1 combined).
DL
Adin Huntington
24
45%
1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 2 QH. 4 special teams tackles.
DL
K.J. Henry
24
43%
1 tackle (1 combined). 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL
Jowon Briggs
22
39%
1 assist (1 combined).
DL
Sam Kamara
21
38%
1 assist (1 combined).
DL
Mason Graham
13
23%
1 assist (1 combined).
DL
Isaiah McGuire
10
18%
No stats registered.
DL
Alex Wright
8
14%
1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
5
9%
No stats registered.
Pos
Player
Plays
%
Stats
LB
Nathaniel Watson
34
61%
2 tackles, 2 assists (4 combined).
LB
Winston Reid
25
45%
2 tackles, 2 assists (4 combined).
LB
Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
21
38%
2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). 1 TFL.
LB
Jerome Baker
14
25%
1 tackle (1 combined).
LB
Devin Bush
13
23%
No stats registered.
LB
Carson Schwesinger
13
23%
4 tackles, 2 assists (6 combined).
Pos
Player
Plays
%
Stats
CB
Tony Brown
32
57%
1 tackle, 2 assists (3 combined). 1 pass defended.
CB
Chigozie Anusiem
28
50%
3 tackles (3 combined).
CB
Cameron Mitchell
24
43%
No stats registered.
CB
Myles Harden
19
34%
1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined).
CB
Dom Jones
19
34%
2 assists (2 combined). 1 pass defended.
CB
LaMareon James
11
20%
2 tackles (2 combined).
CB
Keenan Isaac
8
14%
1 tackle (1 combined).
Pos
Player
Plays
%
Stats
S
Chris Edmonds
43
77%
3 tackles, 1 assist (4 combined). 1 pass defended.
S
Donovan McMillon
27
48%
1 tackle, 2 assists (3 combined). 1 pass defended.
S
Damontae Kazee
23
41%
No stats registered.
S
Nik Needham
19
34%
1 INT, 1 pass defended.
S
Ronnie Hickman
13
23%
No stats registered.
S
Rayshawn Jenkins
6
11%
No stats registered.
According to Pro Football Focus, despite just having 13 snaps, rookie LB Carson Schwesinger had an impactful game. He had tackles on nearly half of the snaps he played in:
The rookie second-round pick made three run stops on just five run-defense snaps, leading to a game-high PFF run-defense grade, pending reviews. His night ended after one quarter, but that was all he needed to announce himself to the league.
On the defensive line, DT Mason Graham only played 13 snaps. DL Adin Huntington got a sack, and I rarely mention special teams tackles in defensive stats, but I’m obligated here because he had 4 special teams tackles. DL Julian Okwara also registered 2 sacks. Those things may help get some guys on the practice squad or claimed by another team, but the Browns are already pretty stacked on the defensive line when it comes to the numbers game. Veterans Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire played 10 or fewer snaps before departing.
I liked Winston Reid a year ago and still like I what I see from him. With Jordan Hicks retired and JOK out for the year, you’d think it’s easier for him to secure a linebacker spot — but the team also did add Jerome Baker, so we’ll see.
Tony Brown played a lot of snaps and had some nice plays, but it’s still tough to determine who the Browns’ third cornerback will be. I think the most optimal scenario would be if last year’s 7th round pick, Myles Harden, wins the role and turns out to be a gem.
Besides the rookie draft picks, Ronnie Hickman was another starter who saw some snaps.
The Browns’ defense allowed 1 touchdown, held the Panthers to 25% on third down, allowed 251 yards of offense, and logged 4 sacks.