RSS Browns Team Notes

[Cleveland Browns]

Sunday Dawg Chow (9/21): Time to send Green Bay packing!

The Cleveland Browns are back home today, still in search of their first win of the 2025 NFL season. Opposing them are the Green Bay Packers, who have become the darlings of the NFC after two impressive wins. In other news, the Browns will debut their embarrassingly bad “Alpha Dawg” uniforms for reasons known only to them.

While we all wait for kickoff, let’s take a run through the latest news and notes about the Cleveland Browns and the NFL in today’s edition of the Sunday Dawg Chow.

Dawgs By Nature:​

• Report: Browns fell in love with the wrong QB in 2022 (Thomas Moore) – Cleveland would have stuck with Baker Mayfield if they had not become “obsessed” with Deshaun Watson.
• Packers TE Tucker Kraft injury update for Week 3 vs Browns (Jared Mueller) – After Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft had an injury scare in practice, it looks like he will be playing today against the Browns.
• Browns practice squad elevations vs. the Packers (Jared Mueller) – The Cleveland Browns made two interesting elevations on Saturday, neither of which was on the offensive line.
• Browns injury update Week 3: Will Andre Szmyt kick against the Packers? (Jared Mueller) – The Cleveland Browns didn’t bring any kickers in for workouts after Andre Szmyt struggled in Week 1 and, thankfully, won’t need to make a move for Week 3.
• Browns fans: What is your favorite tailgate food? (Abby Mueller) – One of the great parts about being a great football town is having great tailgates, and Clevelanders do it best.
• 3 Players to watch in this Packers, Browns matchup (Curtiss Brown) – The Cleveland Browns vs. the Green Bay Packers has some great players visiting from Green Bay.
• Winners, Losers in the AFC North after Week 2 (Curtiss Brown) – The AFC North is looking weak besides the Baltimore Ravens, with the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals having warts after Week 2.

Cleveland Browns:​

• Quinshon Judkins eyes bigger workload against Packers’ No. 2 run defense in 2nd game (Beacon Journal) – There was no real frame of reference Quinshon Judkins had to know about what playing in an NFL game would be like before the Browns rookie running back made his debut in a Week 2 loss at the Baltimore Ravens.
• What is with the Browns’ game plan? Stats show problem (Terry Pluto) – What team led the NFL in pass attempts last season? If you’ve been reading me for a while, you know it was the Cleveland Browns.
• If Joe Flacco doesn’t return to 2023 form, season could get ugly in a hurry (Browns Zone) – According to most NFL scientists, the Browns are either the third-worst team in the NFL (30th overall), the second-worst team in the NFL (31st overall) or the worst team in the NFL (32nd overall). Thankfully, it is still too close to call, but not too close to imagine that The Fighting Stefanskis might even have enough of the wrong stuff to hit the finish line as the worst team in the NFL this season. Perhaps even the worst Browns team ever.
• How the Browns stop the run against the Packers in Week 3 (clevelandbrowns.com) – As the Cleveland Browns get ready to face the Green Bay Packers for the first time in four seasons, here are three keys to the game.

NFL:​

• Why has the Raiders’ running game failed to catch fire? (ESPN) – What was meant to be the foundation of the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense has been a weakness.
• Backups abound as NFL quarterbacks keep going down (Washington Post) – NFL primer: It’s Week 3, and we already have reached the Carson Wentz vs. Jake Browning portion of the season.
• ‘You are looking live’: On Sunday, CBS throwing back to origins of ‘The NFL Today’ (The Athletic) – The nostalgia economy is big business these days — wait, Oasis is touring again? — and Sunday’s episode of CBS’s “The NFL Today” is going to play heavy into looking back, even as “you are looking live” at the Week 3 games.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-21-tucker-kraft-andre-szmyt-quinshon-judkins

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns winners, losers in Week 3 vs Packers – Cleveland shocks Green Bay late

The Cleveland Browns are currently in the worst portion of their schedule, having played the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, and now the NFC powerhouse Green Bay Packers. The next three games are also against very good teams until the schedule loosens up a bit. The Browns want to end their losing streak despite playing one of the best teams in the league. Several media outlets had Green Bay rated #2 in NFL power rankings.

There are several bright spots on this Cleveland team. The Browns are ranked #1 in pass attempts and #1 in pass completions. This is basically because they have almost no run game to speak of, so the offense is forced to air it out. Punter Corey Bojorquez is having another tremendous year and is ranked fourth with punts downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

And the defense is playing lights out with a #1 overall ranking through the first two weeks of play. They possess the #1 run defense and are #3 against the pass. And the defense played extremely well against the Packers as did special teams.

RELATED: NFL DEFENSIVE RANKINGS

Against the Packers, Cleveland’s offense was horrible for three quarters, but gained yardage at the end of the contest when it mattered as the Browns surprised one of the best teams in the league 13-10 as time expired.

So who played well for the Browns? Who didn’t?

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BROWNIES​

Special teams – For the first two games, the special teams had plenty of issues. Against the Packers, they came to play. The punt coverage team was spectacular with tacklers such as Rayshawn Jenkins, Carson Schwesinger, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Blake Whiteheart. Green Bay only had eight return yards on punts for the game.

BROWNS BLOCK THE FIELD GOAL.

GBvsCLE on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/MtI6S65N0f

— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025

The blocked 43-yard field goal was the most pivotal play of the game, as Green Bay essentially wins the game if that kick is made. Shelby Harris got a big paw up in the air, and the ball was struck a bit low. Then, not only did it hit Harris’ mitt, but it also had a huge ricochet that gave Cleveland additional yardage. Most folks thought Denzel Ward, coming off the right corner and diving attempt was who blocked the attempt. P Corey Bojorquez averaged 48.5 yards per kick, including rolling one to the two-yard line. K Andre Szymt nailed both of his field goal attempts, one being the 55-yard game-winner.

THE FG IS GOOD. BROWNS WIN. BROWNS WIN. pic.twitter.com/hQOdYyOr1G

— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025

LB Carson Schwesinger – Better get used to this stat: Schwesinger was the Browns’ leading tackler with 10 total tackles. This young man makes up his mind instantly when he recognizes the running play. On a third-and-15 in the second quarter, Schwesinger nailed RB Josh Jacobs for a short three-yard gain before he could head up field. As the third quarter clicked off its last second, the Packers snapped the ball then QB Jordan Love rolled out to his right as Schwesinger gave chase. Love pump faked, but to no avail, as Schwesinger blasted him instead of taking the pass fake for the sack that ended the drive. Then, in Quarter 4, after Szmyt’s first field goal, it was Schwesinger who planted the kickoff returner as he dodged several tacklers.

Browns defense stepping up when it matters most!

— AIporium (@AIporium_) September 21, 2025

Defense! Defense! Defense! – While the offense struggled for the majority of the game, the defense never wavered against a very good offense. Green Bay has a very good running game, yet had only four rushing first downs all game and just 81 yards gained on the ground on 31 rushing attempts. The Browns’ “D” secured five sacks and missed three others. And the Packers had the ball more than nine minutes longer than Cleveland’s offense. Grant Delpit’s interception with 3:18 remaining finally gave the Browns offense some decent field position, which then became their only touchdown. LB Devin Bush made a great play with the punch out of the ball right before the blocked field goal, which was ruled down by contact, but replays showed a different story. Six tackles for loss and seven QB hits are only part of the pressure the passing attack saw coming.

Q!!!!!!!!!#GBvsCLE on FOX & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4FqF2Xyol0

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 21, 2025

RB Quinshon Judkins – This kid looks good, but it took him forever to get going. He was able to convert the fourth-and-one early in the fourth quarter right off of RG Wyatt Teller’s butt. With 8:49 left in the game, he was able to gain 14 yards around left end, then the following play, he found a small opening between C Ethan Pocic and Teller and scooted 38 yards like it was nothing. Found another small gap on the touchdown run behind a crushing block by then-inserted fullback Maliek Collins. 18 carries for 94 yards with a 5.2 yards per carry average.

S Grant Delpit – Had a strong game in the tackling department and finished with nine total tackles. His interception at Green Bay’s own 29-yard line completely changed the narrative of the game.

This is why we play the game.

Holy moly

— GregCity (@S_Bets_W_Greg) September 21, 2025

Final offensive drive – The Browns took possession after the blocked field goal with 21 ticks left in the game on their own 47-yard line. A neutral zone infraction by Parsons placed it at Green Bay’s 48 with a first-and-five. QB Joe Flacco hit WR Jamari Thrash with a three-yard pass. Now, 17 seconds left. An incompletion to WR Jerry Jeudy, followed by one of the best plays of the day: TE David Njoku caught a pass over the middle for eight yards as the clock was winding down, and then immediately, the Browns went into “fire drill” mode, got set, then Flacco spiked the ball to stop the clock. Time left: three seconds. Then Szmyt drilled the 55-yard game-winner. Amazing, amazing, amazing offensive drive, hustle, with field and clock awareness by every offensive player on the field. And no quit.

FROWNIES​

RT Cornelius Lucas – Backup tackle also had problems for the majority of the game, dealing with LDE Rashan Gary. His #52 jersey got a lot of TV time as he was in the backfield quite a bit and had two sacks, three QB hits, and three tackles, two of which were for a loss. Lucas had no answer for Gary and was called for holding penalty at the worst time on one of the few good offensive drives.

LT KT Leveston – We get it. KT had to contain Micah Parsons. He needed a bear trap or a taser, which he had neither and probably wouldn’t fit in his uniform. Parsons gave Packer fans a highlight reel at Leveston’s expense as KT came into the game early in the first quarter when Dawand Jones was injured with a knee issue. Not taking first team reps all week, then thrown in against a beast. None of us wants that job either. But as the game rolled along in the second half, KT settled in a bit. Parsons did not register a single sack, although he came close many, many times.

Offense – First drives of the game: punt, punt, punt, interception thrown, halftime, punt, punt, punt, then 9:26 left in the game began a 12-play drive that ended with a 35-yard field goal. In the first half, the furthest the offense got was Green Bay’s 41-yard line. In the second half, Judkins’ 38-yard run placed the offense on Green Bay’s 28 with 8:50 left in the contest, which became the deepest penetration all game.

DE Isaiah McGuire – Had only one tackle, but his contain responsibilities in the game were horrible. He had too many snaps where he took the fake where the ball was going to the other side, and he went into the middle in order to trail, only to find out the ballcarrier was headed to his side. Jacobs galloped for seven yards and a first down with 5:24 left in the first quarter with nobody home. Facing a third-and-two with just over five minutes left in the half, Love faked a handoff going left, then ran for 10 yards into the wide open right flats for a key first down.

K Andre Szmyt – No, not the player. Us. All of us in the media were hell-bent on booting this kid to the curb after missing a PAT plus a field goal in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland losing by one point. The coaching staff said they were going to be patient. We were wrong. Our bad.

---

Milk Bones – Watching the Browns is all about day drinking​

DE Myles Garrett and DE Cameron Thomas – Garrett was incredible in the first two quarters, then had a quiet second half. Thomas placed constant pressure on his defensive reps, especially on passing downs. Garrett combined with Adin Huntington to collapse the pocket and take the sack of Love in the second quarter. On that sack, Green Bay TE Luke Musgrave hit Garrett as LT Rasheed Walker was taking an outside stance, but Garrett shoved both men and found Love instead. The Packers had first-and-goal with just over four minutes left in the third quarter when Garrett plowed through and decked Jacobs for no gain. Later in the fourth stanza, Garrett was able to hit Jacobs behind the line for a loss.

LB Devin Bush – Bush is quietly having a very good season and made several good tackles. His punch-out should have counted, but showed his awareness during play. Finished with six tackles. With him, this linebacker group is finally starting to gel.

New unies, new helmet, helluva orientation – Seems like every NFL club wants a black uniform, and the Browns did not give in, but instead offered up the darkest unies they could. And what an audition! The “Alpha Dawg” look is 1-0.

Realization – If the Browns could have beaten the Bengals like they should have, this team would be 2-1-0 against three good clubs. Just sayin…..

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-3-vs-packers-cleveland-shocks-green-bay-late

 

[Cleveland Browns]

6 reasons for Browns optimism heading into Week 4 versus Lions

The Cleveland Browns are fresh off a big, shocking victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 but, in the NFL, things move quickly. We may not be on to Week 4 in totality yet, the NFL playoff race and NFL draft positioning were more important already this morning, but a quick look ahead to the next team on the Browns schedule on this Victory Monday.

The Detroit Lions came into the season with high expectations and were seen as one of the toughest games on Cleveland’s schedule. The two teams have had some memorable games in the past and, after Week 3’s shocking win on the shores of Lake Erie, we could be in for another fun matchup.

There is no “Battle of the Barge” this week but we could be in for an important game in Week 4 with six reasons for optimism for the visitors:

Browns Defense​

There are still ways to beat the Cleveland defense but DC Jim Schwartz has the defensive line humming, LB Carson Schwesinger all over the field and has basically nullified the run game of all three teams they’ve faced. As Brian Baldinger noted, “the best defense in football” can carry the team.

Lions Coordinators​

Detroit is still finding its way after losing OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn. A storyline that Lions media and coaches are probably sick of already, the team must prove they have things figured out with new OC John Morton and DC Kelvin Sheppard before this question will go away.

Quinshon Judkins and Game Control​

Through three weeks of the NFL season, Cleveland has averaged the fifth-most time of possession despite not running the ball well, overall, especially in Week 1 without Judkins. The Browns rookie back is showing flashes of finding his footing already and, paired with Kevin Stefanski’s ball control offense, has allowed Cleveland to control the clock and game flow for two whole games and the early parts of Week 2 versus the Baltimore Ravens.

Short week for home team, short travel for visitors​

The Lions have not played their Week 3 game yet, facing the Ravens on Monday Night Football on the road. With the Browns sitting at home after finishing their Week 3 victory around 4 PM on Sunday, Detroit will land back home sometime early Tuesday morning (between 2 AM and 3 AM) and are likely only to have a walk through on Wednesday, instead of a practice. The Lions are a veteran team, but could feel the effects going into the fourth game of the season, especially with the Browns having about 36 hours more rest.

Detroit vs Green Bay Week 1​

A small thing but still interesting to look back at the team Cleveland just beat and the team they play next, matching up just a couple of weeks ago. The Packers held the Lions to just 46 yards rushing on 22 attempts and held QB Jared Goff to 225 yards with one TD and one INT despite 39 pass attempts.

On the other side of the ball, Green Bay was able to be meticulous, giving RB Josh Jacobs 19 carries, which he contributed 66 yards and a touchdown with. (For comparison, Cleveland’s defense held Jacobs to 30 yards rushing on 16 attempts.)

Momentum plus London trip​

There may not be a team coming out of Week 3 with more momentum, energy and excitement than the Cleveland Browns. The team also knows they have a trip to London the following week that will feel like a small victory trip if they can pull off two straight upsets. While the Browns have some momentum, they also have a lot of veterans on the team who know they need to focus on every detail to win games. With stars like Joel Bitonio playing despite barely being able to walk, Cleveland knows it can’t take their eyes off the goal right in front of them.

As Stefanski says quite often, it’s time to go 1-0 this week.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...6-reasons-browns-optimism-week-4-versus-lions

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Heroes all over the place on Browns defense in Week 3 vs Packers

The Cleveland Browns’ defense remained incredible against the Packers, stringing together their third consecutive dominant week (yes, I’m even including the Ravens game, if you watched the effort they gave). The Packers were held to 230 yards of offense, and Josh Jacobs could not get going on the ground. The one criticism you could have is that the Packers did convert 10-of-18 (56%) of their third down opportunities. The fact that they had that many shows you how often Cleveland was getting them into third downs.

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers.

Defensive Line​

Pos	Player	Plays	% Snaps	Stats
DL	Myles Garrett	52	82%	2 tackles, 4 assists (6 combined). 0.5 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL	Mason Graham	48	74%	3 assists (3 combined). 0.5 sack, 1 QH.
DL	Maliek Collins	45	69%	2 tackles, 3 assists (5 combined). 1.5 sacks, 1 TFL, 2 QH.
DL	Isaiah McGuire	35	54%	1 assist (1 combined).
DL	Alex Wright	24	37%	1 tackle (1 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH.
DL	Shelby Harris	19	29%	1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). 1 TFL, 1 blocked FG.
DL	Adin Huntington	18	28%	2 tackles, 2 assists (4 combined). 0.5 sack, 1 QH.
DL	Cameron Thomas	12	18%	No stats registered.
DL	Joe Tryon	7	11%	1 tackle, 2 assists (3 combined).

• Before I forget, I want to say that on the play where Jordan Love threw the interception to Grant Delpit, I was surprised they did not go for the misdirection quarterback keeper there. They ran it twice in the game, and Isaiah McGuire was fooled on both of them. If they run it, it either works to perfection a third time, or they punt it away and continue to stop our offense.
• Myles Garrett was relentless again. There was a screen capture on social media that showed him being triple teamed at one point. I think we’re seeing a mix of teams sometimes double teaming him, and this year, our other linemen are skilled enough to make them pay. And on top of that, I swear that even at this later stage in his career, Garrett’s arsenal of moves looks vastly improved.
• In terms of snap count numbers, everything mostly remained the same. We did see Joe Tryon play a few more snaps, and he actually logged a statistic on 3 of those 7 snaps.

Mason Graham recorded a 43% pass rush win rate against the Packers today.

Average for a defensive tackle is 9%.

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) September 21, 2025

Per @PFF, the Browns pass rush had an average time to pressure of 1.99 seconds today on true dropbacks.

Myles Garrett's pass rush win rate was 46%.

Collins was at 33%

Mason Graham was also a very healthy 15.4%

Total domination.

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) September 22, 2025

Linebacker​

Pos	Player	Plays	% Snaps	Stats
LB	Carson Schwesinger	65	100%	6 tackles, 3 assists (9 combined). 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH.
LB	Devin Bush	54	83%	3 tackles, 4 assists (7 combined). 1 FF.
LB	Mohamoud Diabate	11	17%	2 assists (2 combined).
LB	Jerome Baker	10	15%	1 tackle (1 combined).

• Carson Schwesinger knows how to finish. I don’t know what the heck Jordan Love was doing on that final play of the third quarter, but he stood there as he rolled out and let Schwesinger finish him off for a sack. Earlier in the game, Schwesinger had a sack that was wiped away. We’ll see just how good the rookie can be, but just like Quinshon Judkins has that movement that is “different” (in a positive way) on offense compared to his peers, we’re seeing the same with Schwesinger on defense.
• Devin Bush appeared to have another solid game. He forced a fumble before the Packers’ missed field goal that was ultimately ruled in Green Bay’s favor, but is a heads up play.

Cornerback​

Pos	Player	Plays	% Snaps	Stats
CB	Denzel Ward	65	100%	4 tackles, 1 assist (5 combined). 1 pass defended.
CB	Greg Newsome	62	95%	4 tackles (4 combined).
CB	Myles Harden	43	66%	2 assists (2 combined).
CB	Dom Jones	4	6%	No stats registered.

• Denzel Ward made it through the whole game without cramps. He batted one pass away and also made a nice tackle on the run. He was beat a couple times on third down by Romeo Doubs, though.
• Myles Harden was flagged for pass interference on the Packers’ final drive, which could have made him a goat in this game. With that said, overall, I like some of the things I see from Haden, and I’m interested to see how he performs the rest of the year.

Safety​

Pos	Player	Plays	% Snaps	Stats
S	Ronnie Hickman	65	100%	4 tackles (4 combined).
S	Grant Delpit	64	98%	6 tackles, 3 assists (9 combined). 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 pass defended.
S	Rayshawn Jenkins	12	18%	1 tackle (1 combined).

• This was an outstanding-looking game for Grant Delpit in all areas, based on what I saw. It’ll be interesting to see what his PFF grade is when I see it.
• Here is a shot of his interception that saved the day, as he comes off of his man coverage to pick off Love:

I cannot emphasize enough how good of a play this was by Grant Delpit on the INT.

Cover 1. Baits Love into thinking he's running with Kraft. Comes off his man & steps right in front of the in-breaking route for the pick. #Browns pic.twitter.com/UOF0JuuLJG

— Mikey McNuggets (@MikeLucasTV) September 22, 2025

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-place-on-browns-defense-in-week-3-vs-packers

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Daily Dawg Chow 9/23: Browns news, Dawand Jones lost for the season, offensive and defensive snapcounts, more

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 08: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns reacts at the line of scrimmage in the first half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• Heroes all over the place on Browns defense in Week 3 vs Packers (Chris Pokorny) Between holding the fort, to then making even more clutch plays at crunch time, this defense continues to prove it is for real.
• Browns offense: Did Quinshon Judkins take over as the bellcow runner in Week 3 vs Packers? (Chris Pokorny) Who was the odd man out: Dylan Sampson or Jerome Ford?
• Browns lose O-line starter to season-ending injury (Thomas Moore) Dawand Jones will need season-ending knee surgery after being injured against Green Bay on Sunday.
• Browns’ Quinshon Judkins making his case as the NFL’s best rookie running back (Matthew Wilson) Cleveland’s rookie ball-carrier continues to stand out amongst his peers.

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Is starting Dillon Gabriel a sign of surrender for the Cleveland Browns? (Sports Illustrated) “After a thrilling win on Sunday, the Browns quarterback decision still looms large in Cleveland.”
• Cleveland Browns vs Detroit Lions picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NFL Week 4 game? (azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic) “NFL Week 4 odds, picks, predictions, TV channel, streaming information for the Sunday football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.”
• Cleveland Browns’ defense continues to dominate, but can it keep carrying the team? (WKYC) “Through three games, the Cleveland Browns have shown that if they don’t make critical mistakes on offense or special teams, their defense will keep them competitive.“
• Fans couldn’t believe the Cleveland Browns beat the Green Bay Packers by a score of 13-10 (Marca) “With a clutch 55-yard field goal in the final seconds, rookie kicker Andre Szmyt lifted the Cleveland Browns to their first victory of the season.”
• Heartbreaking: Dawand Jones out for the year (Youtube) Quincy Carrier reacts to the latest

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/daily...the-season-offensive-and-defensive-snapcounts

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland makes a big leap with their first win, Week 4

It is Week 4, and last week, the Cleveland Browns were probably a few minutes away from being ranked as the worst team in football, on their way to being shut out. Instead, the script has flipped: they rose four spots this week, with an average ranking of 25.4, thanks to a stunning 13-10 comeback in regulation against the Packers. The victory this early in the season puts the Browns with a 1-2 record and technically tied for a playoff spot, meaning there is still plenty of time to turn the offense around. The defense, on the other hand, is for real.

Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season.

CBS Sports – No. 22 (up 6 spots)​

The defense has been dominant for three weeks and beating the Packers was vindication for that unit. The offense does need to get it going — or make a change at quarterback.

ESPN – No. 26 (up 4 spots)​

Biggest issue on defense: Only one takeaway so far

The Browns’ defense has done just about everything right, including leading the league in yards allowed per game (204.3), but takeaways have been a point of emphasis. Safety Grant Delpit‘s late interception on Sunday against the Packers gave Cleveland its first takeaway since Week 16 of 2024 — and a much-needed momentum swing. “Grant got that first one for us, and I think they’ll start coming in bunches,” cornerback Greg Newsome II said. “I think the football gods are on our side right now.”

NFL.com – No. 25 (up 6 spots)​

Shelby Harris’ late block not only dramatically changed the arc of Sunday’s incredible win, but it also put him in rare air. That was Harris’ sixth-career blocked FG try in his 12th season, making him one of the elite niche players in the NFL. But the Browns also have a young foundation that appears too good to overlook suddenly. We’ll see if they got the QB pick(s) right, but so far, Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. have been fabulous rookie additions from GM Andrew Berry, with each of them having their fingerprints on Cleveland’s dramatic victory — the first of the season. Joe Flacco still looks old at times, and the offensive limitations can’t be ignored, but this win seemed to alter the outlook for this team.

Sporting News – No. 26 (up 5 spots)​

The Browns‘ defense has been competitive over the first three games of the season against the Bengals, Ravens and Packers. Myles Garrett had his group’s efforts pay off, even without much of anything from Joe Flacco and the offense, which had to feel great.

Yahoo Sports – No. 27 (up 3 spots)​

The Browns’ defense is going to keep Cleveland in most games. And in some of those games the Browns will catch enough breaks to pull an upset. Cleveland shut down Green Bay on Sunday. No team will want to face the Browns due to that defense.

Bleacher Report – No. 26 (up 2 spots)​

The Cleveland Browns aren’t going to win many games this year, but their defense can help them get a few victories and force some of the league’s top teams to earn every point in competitive battles.

After giving up 41 points to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, Cleveland’s defense held the Green Bay Packers to 10 points last Sunday.

As was the case in Week 3, the Browns are capable of upsetting any team if their defense keeps them within a couple of scores.

USA Today – No. 26 (up 5 spots)​

As Shedeur Sanders’ father, Deion (Dion?), famously uttered, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good.” Props to the “Alpha Dawgs” (presented by DUDE Wipes) who managed to upset the mighty Pack despite their appearance Sunday.

Listed below is a summary table of where teams in the AFC North are ranked this week.

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	Bengals​	Browns​	Ravens​	Steelers​
CBS Sports	19​	22​	11​	18​
ESPN	20​	26​	7​	17​
NFL.com	20​	25​	7​	16​
Sporting News	15​	26​	9​	12​
Yahoo Sports	22​	27​	7​	17​
Bleacher Report	18​	26​	8​	13​
USA Today	20​	26​	7​	14​
Average	19.1 (down 4.2)​	25.4 (up 4.5)​	8.0 (down 3.9)​	15.3 (up 2.7)​

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What do you think of the Browns’ ranking this week?

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-makes-a-big-leap-with-their-first-win-week-4

 

[Cleveland Browns]

From fans wanting him cut, to hero: Browns now have an AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

After the Cleveland Browns’ home-opening loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, fans were calling for rookie kicker Andre Szmyt to be cut. He missed an extra point and a short field goal with about two minutes to go, which proved to be the difference in a 17-16 loss. The Browns stuck with him, and teammates rallied behind him, including veteran quarterback Joe Flacco indicating that he was going to spend more time with him.

For now, it all paid off. With the Browns being shut out 10-0, they ended up pulling off a crazy 13-10 win over the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday. That included Szmyt accounting for 7 of those points: a 35-yard field goal with with 3:38 remaining, an extra point with 3:01 remaining, and then the game-winning 55 yarder as time expired. For his effort, Szmyt was just named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week:

can't make this Szmyt up pic.twitter.com/O3chkACWMZ

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 24, 2025

The play-on-words with Szmyt’s last name is already catching on, and that includes us having a brand new t-shirt available from BreakingT:

Hopefully, Szmyt can keep it up. Even though he struggled in Week 1, I attested that it was still a to be determined scenario with him. Dustin Hopkins had season-long struggles that he couldn’t get over last year, but the team still gave him a shot this training camp. Once he continued to miss kicks, the rookie won the job. It would have been easy to cut him after the first week and sign a veteran kicker, and I think it would have come down to that had he botched a few more short kicks. The way his teammates rallied around him is commendable too.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-have-an-afc-special-teams-player-of-the-week

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns vs Lions: 4 injury DNPs for DET and sign former CLE defender Wednesday

The Cleveland Browns will visit the Detroit Lions in Week 4 of the NFL season, with injuries already a big part of the story. One of our Browns points of optimism is that the Lions will have a huge rest deficit coming off of Monday Night Football in Week 4. With the team arriving back in Detroit sometime on Tuesday, the Lions participated in a walk-through instead of practice on Wednesday.

The team estimated that four of their players would not have been able to participate in a regular practice, with one other likely limited in the first injury report of the week:

• OT Tayler Decker – Shoulder – DNP
• DE Al-Quadin Muhammad – Knee -DNP
• S Daniel Thomas – Forearm – DNP
• RB Sione Vaki – Groin – DNP
• LB Derrick Barnes – Knee – Limited
• CB DJ Reed – Cramping – Full

In what could be a sign of Muhammad’s health, Detroit signed former Browns DT Quinton Jefferson to their practice squad on Wednesday and elevated TE Ross Dwelley to their active 53-man roster.

We know OL Joel Bitonio returned to practice on Wednesday but three defenders did not practice:

• DT Mike Hall Jr. – Knee – DNP
• CB Denzel Ward – Shoulder – DNP
• DT Shelby Harris – Hamstring – DNP
• OL Joel Bitonio – Back, Rest – Limited
• OL Jack Conklin – Elbow – Limited
• S Grant Delpit – Back – Limited
• DE Myles Garrett – Rest – Limited
• TE David Njoku – Knee – Limited
• WR Cedric Tillman – Hand, Hip – Limited

If Hall can’t play in Week 4, his setback will have cost Cleveland a roster spot for four weeks when he could have been on the IR-Return list. Getting Conklin back this week would help with the loss of starter Dawand Jones for the season.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...or-det-and-sign-former-cle-defender-wednesday

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns duo among nominees for Pro Football HoF

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the modern-era players nominated for the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, and there are two former Cleveland Browns legends on the list.

Among the 128 players under consideration for enshrinement are Eric Metcalf, who played for the Browns from 1989 through 1994, and Josh Cribbs, who played for the Browns from 2005 through 2012.

The Browns selected Metcalf in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft. A multi-threat running back and kick returner, Metcalf had 11 rushing touchdowns, 15 receiving touchdowns, and seven touchdowns on kick returns while in Cleveland.

Metcalf rushed for 2,229 yards in Cleveland (ranking No. 15 on the franchise’s all-time list); had 297 receptions (No. 11 on the all-time list) for 2,732 yards; had 1,341 yards in punt returns (No. 4 on the all-time list) and five punt returns for a touchdown (tops in team history); and 2,806 yards on kickoff returns and two kickoff returns for touchdowns, both third-best in franchise history.

Metcalf would make the Pro Bowl following the 1993 and 1994 seasons, and be a First Team All-Pro selection in 1993.

Cleveland traded Metcalf to the Atlanta Falcons after the 1994 season. He would play seven more years with six different teams after leaving the Browns, and retired with 17,230 all-purpose yards, 18th-most in league history, and 10 punt returns for touchdowns, ranking No. 2 in NFL history.

Cribbs signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005. A quarterback in college at Kent State, Cribbs transitioned into one of the best return men in NFL history during his eight seasons with the Browns.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Cribbs had three kick return touchdowns in 2007 and 2009. At the time of his retirement, he held 11 franchise records, and had 11 kick returns for touchdowns with the Browns (eight on punts and three on kickoffs), 10,015 kickoff return yards (tops in franchise history and 6,830 yards ahead of second-place Dino Hall), and 2,154 punt return yards (tops in franchise history).

Cribbs retired after the 2014 NFL season with the third-most return yards in league history (13,488), third-most kickoff return yards (11,113), and the fifth-most return touchdowns (11).

We are proud to present the 128 Modern-Era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, presented by @visualedgeit. The list will be reduced to 50 in October as the journey to Canton continues. #PFHOF26 pic.twitter.com/MEb3En4skv

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) September 24, 2025

There are 13 players in their first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame, including quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and tight ends Greg Olsen and Jason Witten.

The hall’s screening committee will now reduce the list to 50 players, with the results of that step announced in mid-October.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-browns-eric-metcalf-josh-cribbs-hall-of-fame

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns vs. Lions Week 4 predictions: Cleveland’s defense is for real, and ready for another upset?

The Cleveland Browns turned heads last week with their win over the Green Bay Packers. Now, the Browns’ defense is officially on the radar of everyone in the country: it’s not a secret any more. That even led to one of the national members of the media below to call for an upset this Sunday. It can certainly happen — Cleveland has now proven that their defense alone can win them any game, so a win would not be a “shock.” However, the Browns’ offense has basically done nothing over these past two games, which, coupled with the Lions’ high regard, still has most people taking Detroit.

Here is what the national media is saying about the Week 4 game between the Browns and Lions:

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) – Lions 23, Browns 17​

The Lions are riding high after blowing out the Ravens on Monday night. They were dominant on offense and the defense got after Lamar Jackson. On a short week playing this Browns defense won’t be easy. Cleveland is the top-ranked defense in the league. That will be in play here as the Browns keep the game close.

CBS Sports (John Breech) – Browns 20, Lions 17​

The Browns have faced three very good offenses, but the defense hasn’t blinked: They’ve given up the fewest yards in the NFL, they have the third-most sacks and they’re only surrendering 2.3 yards per rushing attempt, which is the best number in the league. If you can get pressure on Jared Goff, the Lions are going to struggle and we saw that a Week 1 game where the Detroit got dominated by the Packers. If I trusted the Browns’ offense (or their special teams) at all I would take Cleveland by DOUBLE DIGITS, but I don’t, so I’m going to say the Browns win for the second straight week on a last second field goal. With the Lions coming off a big win over the Ravens on Monday night, this feels like the perfect spot for a letdown.

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) – Lions 27, Browns 14​

The Lions play their best offense at home. The Browns play their best defense at home. Nothing needs to give here with Detroit rocking Cleveland with explosive pass plays and stopping the run.

Sporting News (Bill Bender) – Lions 27, Browns 14​

The Browns are riding high with a nasty defense that showed out against the Packers. The Lions are a different story at home. Look for Dan Campbell to stay aggressive in the passing game with Jared Goff, who had five TD passes at home in Week 2. Detroit’s defense will have to slow Quinshon Judkins, who had 18 carries for 94 yards in Week 3.

Below are our Week 4 NFL staff picks:

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...fense-is-for-real-and-ready-for-another-upset

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns vs Lions: Fantasy advice is quite simple, start this player

The Cleveland Browns might have the best defense in the NFL, despite being minimized by Detroit Lions OC John Morton this week for their ability against the run. There are clearly issues, however, with that side of the ball, but the fierce defensive line, top two cornerbacks and safety Grant Delpit have done a lot to mask those issues, including at free safety.

One big area of concern, which for some reason the Green Bay Packers were unable to take advantage of in Week 3, is at slot corner. Cam Mitchell and Myles Harden have just not been good enough at what DC Jim Schwartz wants them to do. In many ways, their struggles help bring to light how difficult the slot role is under Schwartz and why Greg Newsome II often was put in tough positions.

Enter Lions star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.

While we rarely provide fantasy advice here, this week is a bit different. Not only could St. Brown take over the game on the field by himself, but fantasy owners should make him a “for sure start” in Week 4. In three games this season, St. Brown is top 10 in receptions and receiving yards while being tied for first in receiving touchdowns.

Given the Browns struggle in the slot, expect Detroit’s offense to run through their shifty receiver especially if the run game struggles. While the Packers were not able to take advantage, Lions QB Jared Goff is a master at finding weaknesses and exploiting them.

Schwartz could decide to get creative on St. Brown with Delpit in coverage or using a linebacker to provide underneath help. Doing so could weaken Cleveland’s run defense and open things up for TE Sam LaPorta and others, but letting St. Brown dictate the flow of the game would be problematic.

Just like the Browns slot corner position has been this season.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...owns-vs-lions-fantasy-advice-amon-ra-st-brown

 

[Cleveland Browns]

5 quick hitters with Pride of Detroit: What is the formula to beating the Lions?

This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns are are at home as they take on the Detroit Lions in Week 4. To help preview a few topics from the Lions’ perspective, we reached out to Ryan Mathews from Pride of Detroit and exchanged five questions with him.

---

Chris: “The Lions have exploded for 90 points in the past two weeks, but seemed to be held in check by the Packers in Week 1. What unfolded in that game that led to the offense struggling?”

Ryan: “The further we get from Week 1, the more that game is becoming an outright outlier. As you mentioned, the Lions have hung 90 points on the scoreboard the past couple of weeks, and the miscommunication and missed assignments that led to the offense feeling disjointed and ineffective has since been ironed out.

The Packers executed the Cover 2 defense to perfection, and it led to Jared Goff and the Lions to checkdown after checkdown. Goff had a couple of throws he missed on, but for the most part, he was content with getting it to a stationary receiver situated a few yards past the line of scrimmage—and that happened a lot. His average depth of target was 4.2 yards, the lowest mark of any quarterback in Week 1.

On top of that, those missed assignments along the offensive line led to the worst rushing performance (22 carries for 46 yards, just 2.1 yards per carry) the Lions have had since Week 6 of 2023–a game where Jahmyr Gibbs was inactive and David Montgomery was injured and ruled out before halftime.

Again, I think that game was ultimately an early-season hiccup where everyone was still getting on the same page: players and coaches alike. Not to say it’s all been perfect since, but it’s been nowhere near as disastrous as it was nearly a month ago, and in the friendly confines of Ford Field, communication should be far less of an issue than it was at Lambeau in Week 1, especially as Detroit has continued to show it’s turned a corner in that respect.”

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Chris: “What do you view as the Lions’ biggest weakness right now?”

Ryan: “Right now, entering Week 4’s matchup against the Browns, the Lions’ biggest weakness is in the backend of their defense, specifically at cornerback. Terrion Arnold, the Lions’ first-round pick from a year ago, has gotten off to a rough start, and that much has been a bit perplexing considering all the talk out of camp from both media and coaches seemed to suggest he was looking poised to take a jump this season.

Instead, Arnold has found himself back to square one from his rookie season, where penalties of the handsy-variety plagued him. On top of that, he’s been a step out of phase here, a flip of his hips away from making a play there. He currently ranks 99th out of 110 qualifying cornerbacks with a PFF coverage grade of 44.0, and he’s getting targeted like someone that other teams know they can pick on: his 20 targets when in coverage is t-7th among cornerbacks, and his 17.9 yards per reception allowed is 9th in the league. When you consider he’s only played 96 coverage snaps so far through three games, which ranks 51st among cornerbacks, those numbers are even more jarring.

“He’s a young player and he’s working at it and he’s going to get better,” Dan Campbell said on Wednesday during a local radio interview. “He’s going to get better, it’s just going to take a little bit of time here. We’re going to work through a few of these things, but, look, every young player, they have these ebbs and flows of their career or of a second year, things of that nature. He’s going to be alright, man, we’re just going to keep working through it.”

Expect veteran Amik Robertson, the team’s nickel cornerback, to play some more as the team’s outside corner opposite of D.J. Reed in this week’s matchup with the Browns.”

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Chris: “Which of the Lions’ 2025 draft picks has been the most regular contributor thus far through three games?”

Ryan: “It’s really a toss-up between interior defensive lineman Tyleik Williams and right guard Tate Ratledge, the Lions’ first and second round selections respectively. Ratledge obviously gets a higher usage as he’s out there whenever the offense is on the field, but Williams is still getting a significant share of opportunities–50.8% of defensive snaps through the first three weeks, just behind fellow starter DJ Reader (57.2%).

Ratledge, and really the offensive line as a whole, had some of those communication issues that led to missed assignments, resulting in an unmitigated disaster against the Packers. Since then, it’s improved considerably over the last two weeks: Ratledge’s pass-blocking efficiency grade of 98.3%–just two pressures allowed across 61 pass-blocking snaps–ranks t-16th among guards over that span according to PFF. Over that same span, he has the fifth-best PFF grade for run blocking (77.5).

Meanwhile, Williams has also been flashing with more and more reps, making impact plays. In Week 2, he had a key stop on fourth-and-1 where he showed great timing, stuffing a quarterback sneak, and then on another fourth down attempt, Williams batted a pass at the line of scrimmage. Against the Ravens, he registered three pressures, an aspect of his game we didn’t expect to see this early in his first year.”

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Chris: “Tell us about one player who Browns fans may not have heard of, but who could have an impact on this Sunday’s game.”

Ryan: “Derrick Barnes, the SAM linebacker who Detroit loves for his versatility, he’s a guy who you’ll become familiar with by the end of the game. Barnes plays on over 80% of snaps, primarily at the SAM, but he has the ability to play all three linebacker positions and moonlight at defensive end–where he played quite a bit at Purdue during his sophomore and junior seasons.

The Lions love to play with three linebackers on the field, so they’ll move Barnes all around the front, using him to rush the passer, defend the run, or even drop back into coverage. Barnes has four pressures–including a sack last week against Baltimore–and five run stops according to PFF. He could be a key player the Lions like to keep out on the field as much as possible considering their reliance on running backs and tight ends.”

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Chris: “The Browns are underdogs against the Lions on Sunday (Browns +8.5 as of this question, per FanDuel Sportsbook). Who would you pick to win the game?”

Ryan: “This game has all the makings of one that ends up being a lot closer than people expect it to be. The Browns run defense has been incredibly stout this season, and if they can put the Lions in uncomfortable spots on second and third down, the offense can sputter–especially if they can muddy the middle of the field in the short passing game.

Conversely, if the Lions defense can continue to be tough against the run, they’ll have an opportunity to get after a 40-year-old quarterback with decidedly less mobility than Lamar Jackson–who they sacked seven times last week. On top of that, Detroit loves to run a lot of press-man, so if Cleveland’s receivers get disrupted from a rhythm standpoint, that could make it really tough for the Browns to sustain drives and score points.

Think the Lions pull this one out, but could definitely see a game in which Detroit wins by less than two scores and this one is decided by who wins the turnover battle–just one turnover for Detroit this season compared to Cleveland’s five.”

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Thanks again to Ryan for taking the time to answer my questions.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...roit-what-is-the-formula-to-beating-the-lions

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns elevate 2 defenders from practice squad for Detroit game

The Cleveland Browns elevated a pair of defensive backs from the practice squad on Saturday as the club prepares for its Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions.

Added to the gameday roster were cornerbacks Tre Avery and Dom Jones, with this being the second week in a row that Jones has been elevated.

The fact that the Browns did not elevate an offensive lineman could be a sign that right tackle Jack Conklin may be able to go against the Lions as he continues to deal with an elbow injury that has sidelined him since the opening game of the season.

That was the case last week, of course, and Conklin ended up being inactive for the game against Green Bay, so it could very well be another game-time decision for the veteran.

Having Jones and Avery active for the game could signal that cornerback Cameron Mitchell will be a healthy inactive for the second consecutive game. Mitchell struggled in coverage against the Ravens in Week 2, which could explain why he has possibly fallen out of favor.

It could also be that the Browns are picking up some insurance in case cornerback Denzel Ward, who was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury, has the shoulder start to bother him again during the game.

we've elevated CB Tre Avery and CB Dom Jones from the practice squad for Week 4 vs. the Lions

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 27, 2025

Avery is in his fourth season after originally signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He has played in 38 career games, all with the Titans, and also played a nice amount of snaps on special teams.

Jones signed with the Browns this year as an undrafted free agent, and played four defensive snaps against the Packers in his first NFL action.

We will have the official inactive report 90 minutes prior to kickoff of the Browns vs. the Lions.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...wns-elevate-tre-avery-dom-jones-detroit-lions

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland Browns vs. Detroit Lions Week 4 Predictions – the best defense against the best offense

This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns take on the Detroit Lions. Below, we analyze a few advantages, disadvantages, or general thoughts about the two teams before getting to our predictions for the game.

A Force to be Reckoned With​

After three straight games, we’ve seen the same primary theme with the Browns: the defense looks like it could be the best in the NFL, and the offense looks like one where the game flies by and they haven’t been able to achieve something. Both areas have been lacking in something, though.

For the defense, creating turnovers has been difficult. For the offense, finding some form of an identity — even for a drive — has been a challenge. Last week, in the second half of the fourth quarter, we saw the elements that can really turn this into a different football team week in, and week out. On offense, it involved what I said the team’s best chance of an identity is: running the ball with Quinshon Judkins. He broke two big runs, and nearly finished with 100 yards rushing on the day. That happened with the Browns’ top two offensive tackles out. At best, we hope to get Jack Conklin back, which still can help a lot if he’s able to go.

On defense, it obviously involved the interception by Grant Delpit. For as intimidating as the defense has been, they need to generate some turnovers to take that next step. Great defense should help lead to easy offense, and if you pair that together, Cleveland can start being a team that opponents dread coming up on their schedule.

Unfortunately, the Detroit Lions are the last team you want to face this week (or any week, for that matter). Despite their Week 1 struggles against the Packers, they are the best team in the league at mixing it up on offense, having movement, and being aggressive (including going for it on fourth down on what might normally be key stops for the defense). Cleveland has been very impressive with their discipline over these first few weeks, so it’s a very compelling battle of great units. I just fear that we’ll see a similar scenario of what happened against the Ravens: the defense will hold strong, but eventually, you’re going to give us something, especially if the offense doesn’t hold their end of the bargain.

Quick Hitters​

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz talked about the Lions going for it on fourth down often, and how the defense needs to be prepared for the mentality of a third down stop not meaning their job is done:

The fact that Detroit goes for it so much on fourth down, where they’re just like an aggressive team in all phases.I think they’re at seven-for-eight on fourth down. Does that change your approach, and how important is it from a mental standpoint for players to realize that even when you get that third down stop, you might not be getting off the field?

“Yeah, I mean, it definitely plays into it. Just because, you know… make it third-and-10, you know, usually you give up eight yards and punt team is coming off the field, right? These guys, it’s not the case. And it’s not just in the plus territory. I mean, the NFL is trended toward a lot of teams going for it on fourth down in plus territory. These guys will go for it in their own territory. They’ll go for it midfield, they’ll go for a little bit longer for it, fourth downs. So just knowing that going in, it layers your calls just a little bit different, you know, really doesn’t change. It really doesn’t change our attitude with the play. But, you know, maybe what you’re willing to give up on a third down might not be the same this week as in other weeks.”

Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees was asked if they are close to getting the chemistry improved between Joe Flacco and Jerry Jeudy:

“Yeah, I do. I think we’re close there. Again, there’s a lot of parts of the offense that allow some of that to happen and putting Jerry in position to make sure that we’re giving him the best opportunities to get open, finish some things. And yeah, we’ve had some chances there that maybe were just a little bit off, we’ve had some chances maybe we’ve missed, we’ve had some looks that we like that maybe just haven’t connected. So, just continue to find ways to get him going and get the ball in his hands.”

Some other notes to look forward to:

• We highlighted this above, but Jerry Jeudy needs to get on track to help open up the offense too. As much as I think Judkins’ running ability will help, Jeudy has 134 yards receiving through 3 games, and a handful of drops. His biggest impact has probably been on drawing some pass interference penalties. We need Jeudy back to being free and relaxed. It’s the type of thing where I think you can make the effort to get him involved early on, for the importance it has on the rest of the offense. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, and you still have the rest of the game to adapt.
• Last week, we saw a significant increase in utilization for Isaiah Bond. There wasn’t necessarily a payoff, but it’s something to watch.
• Defensively, are there really any other notes we need to mention? Nickelback remains the biggest question mark on the team, and with Jared Goff’s ability, it is surely something that the Lions are aware of and ready to attack.
• Cleveland got a big boost from special teams last week, including Andre Szmyt’s 55-yarder to win it. Indoors this week, hopefully the special teams unit can keep it going.

Predictions​

Here are predictions from multiple staff members at DBN:

Chris Pokorny: “I think we’ll see the Browns’ offense have some good moments, in a game that will be a fun battle that is close enough to keep fans wondering if Cleveland can pull it off. Ultimately, the Lions have that firepower that will allow them to secure the win late and hold on.” Lions 23, Browns 17

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Jared Mueller: “I very much believe the Cleveland Browns can win in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions for a wide variety of reasons. I also do not expect a victory but a close game. Amon-Ra St. Brown will have a field day with the Browns slot cornerbacks and that will be the difference in the ball game.” Lions 21, Browns 17

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Thomas Moore: “The Browns certainly have what it takes to win this game, especially on the defensive side of the ball as they showed last week against the Packers. The problem is that the offense continues to show no signs of putting together multiple scoring drives. And with the offensive tackle situation continuing to spiral, it appears that a solution is not yet in sight.

Another fear is that this team never seems to be able to handle or sustain even a little bit of success. The Lions are good, and unless Cleveland’s offense finds itself, it will yet another disappointing trip to the Motor City for the Browns.” Lions 24, Browns 10

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Curtiss Brown: “After shocking the Green Bay Packers last Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will look to do it again, this time against the Detroit Lions. Are the Lions a good team? Yes. Are they a scary team that the Browns should fear? Absolutely not.

After their week 1 loss against the Packers, Detroit’s offense was able to run the ball effectively against a Chicago Bears defense front 7 that’s 28th in defensive success run rate and a Baltimore Ravens front that was missing Nnamdi Madubuike. Detroit’s offensive line went up against a physical front in the Packers in Week 1 and struggled and Cleveland’s front might be the best in the entire league that they will face this season (outside of the Philadelphia Eagles). Detroit’s offense will try to generate explosives on the ground (both inside and outside runs) and on through the air.

Offensively, the Browns have to just sustain drives. It’s easier said than done with an offensive line that’s battered. Detroit’s defense has weak spots to exploit and it will be curious if the Browns offense can exploit them. Cleveland has found some success running the ball towards the end of the 4th quarter last week but if the run game isn’t working, the team might be stuck. However, Detroit’s secondary has some weaknesses that you can exploit.

Close game, could be low scoring but Detroit barely wins because their offensive talent is better than Cleveland’s.” Lions 21, Browns 20

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Barry Shuck: “The Lions are a roller coaster this year, but also a very good team. Remember, they won 15 games last season. Let’s look at matchups: Detroit is #9 in passing yards allowed (761), whereas Cleveland’s defense is #5 in pass defense with allowing just 521 yards. On offense, the Browns are middle of the pack in passing yardage (650) while the Lions’ defense is middle of the pack in pass defense, allowing 710 yards. To me, this means the passing game evens out for both clubs.

In rushing, we know the Browns cannot run the ball and are ranked #29 (260), but their defense is #1 against the run, allowing just 172 rushing yards and a single rushing TD. Detroit is the league’s fourth-best rushing team (447), so this will be a great battle. The Lions’ defense is ranked #11 against the run, which doesn’t matter since CLE can’t move it on the ground anyways.

The “X” factor for Cleveland’s offense will be Quinshon. Will he suddenly become our new Nick Chubb? If so, this offense just might start moving, especially with the success of our tight ends helping the passing game. At first, I thought another trip to the woodshed, but this Browns defense is for real and has kept them in two of three games. Special teams is on the rebound, and if Cleveland finds a running game, something just might happen. After beating one of the NFL’s best teams last week, I am hoping for a win, or at least it will be close, rather than a beating. The key will be to take WR Amon-Ra St. Brown out of the game” Lions 24, Browns 20

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Ezweav: “The win last week certainly did a lot to change perceptions moving forward. This will be a much steeper test on the road and against a better opponent. The real key to everything is going to be their OL versus our DL. It’s not just good-on-good it might very well be best-on-best. If Cleveland’s front is unable to generate pressure on Jared Goff, it may be rough sledding for our secondary (in particular whoever is playing the slot). On the other hand, if Detroit can’t keep the rush at bay than it could be a very long day for Mr. Goff indeed.

Detroit’s defense is no slouch either and that’s where the real disparities lie. While Quinshon Judkins’ performance thus far bodes will for the continued development of the running game, it was another rough outing for Joe Flacco last week. There could be a variety of reasons for this but he just seems to be not pulling the trigger for who-knows-why

I think he’ll come out of it a little bit this week and we’ll make a few more plays. But also this seems like a game where both teams end up scoring more than they should, which will be entertaining but ultimately not fulfilling.” Lions 25, Browns 24

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Who do you think will win, Browns fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ons-the-best-defense-against-the-best-offense

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland Browns fans are gaining confidence, but is it enough to call for a Lions upset?

During the season, Cleveland Browns fans vote in SB Nation Reacts to express their confidence level in the team or their thoughts on other topics.

The end of that game really helped boost perspective for the Cleveland Browns, in the sense that, “the defense is real, and meanwhile, we’re still hoping the offense gets their act together.” Fan confidence jumped back up to 62%, an increase of 33 percentage points from the previous week. Technically, fan confidence shouldn’t have just drastic differences from week to week unless there is a major injury. Nonetheless, we’re used to it, because a win gives fans hope that maybe, just maybe, the team’s plan actually is on the path to working. Our opponents this week, the Detroit Lions, have 99% confidence from their fanbase in the direction of their team.

We asked two other questions to fans this week, the first of which asked what the most important play was to turn the game around Green Bay last week. Leading the way was the blocked field goal by Shelby Harris (46%), but the interception by Grant Delpit was right up there. The couple of big runs that Quinshon Judkins had weren’t held in the same regard (12%).

Our other question asks what Browns fans are expecting from this week’s game against the Lions. 72% of fans are calling for a Lions win, while 28% think Cleveland can actually pull off another NFC North upset.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ce-but-is-it-enough-to-call-for-a-lions-upset

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Daily Dawg Chow 9/29: Browns lose, defense plays good enough, offense and special teams disappoint, more

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 08: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns reacts at the line of scrimmage in the first half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• Cleveland Browns vs. Detroit Lions final score: Mistakes on offense, special teams rear their ugly head again (Chris Pokorny) The recipe was there for Cleveland to compete, but mistakes on offense and special teams showed up again.
• Brownies & Frownies for Week 4 loss to Lions (Barry Shuck) Browns vs Lions in Week 4 started off strong only to end up poorly. Some winners, losers for Cleveland in losing effort
• Browns WR struggles: Assigning blame for drops is difficult, on everyone involved (Jared Mueller) Browns offense continues to struggle, leading to loss to Lions. Drops by Jerry Jeudy, Harold Fannin, others frustrate many
• Week 5 should not be Dillon Gabriel time for Browns despite Joe Flacco struggles (Jared Mueller) Joe Flacco was not the only problem in Week 4 but Dillon Gabriel’s time should not come in Week 5 vs Vikings in London

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Lions 34, Browns 10 | Final Score, Stats & Game Recap (clevelandbrowns.com) “Cleveland falls to 1-3 on the season.”
• Browns’ Kevin Stefanski faces more questions about benching Joe Flacco after offense struggles again (nfl.com) “After another poor performance by the Cleveland Browns’ offense, coach Kevin Stefanski was once again asked whether he’d consider benching veteran quarterback Joe Flacco for rookie Dillon Gabriel.”
• Browns coach Kevin Stefanski does not plan on quarterback change after Cleveland falls to 1-3 with Joe Flacco (CBS Sports) “The Browns lost their third in four games with Flacco as the starter”
• Shedeur Sanders made a harsh gesture toward Kevin Stefanski after Joe Flacco’s two interceptions; tensions rising in Cleveland (Marca) “It’s no surprise that the Detroit Lions dominated the Cleveland Browns-one is a legitimate contender in the NFC, while the other looks destined for one of the worst records in the NFL.”
• Browns are going to have to make changes after this – Browns/Lions recap (Youtube) Quincy Carrier reacts to the latest

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/daily...d-enough-offense-and-special-teams-disappoint

 

[Cleveland Browns]

2026 NFL draft positioning: Browns move up, Jaguars down after Week 4

The trade between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars near the start of the 2025 NFL draft will likely be known as “The Travis Hunter Trade” for a long time. While DT Mason Graham and RB Quinshon Judkins have looked good to start their careers (while Hunter is still finding his way in his multiple roles), it will be the Hunter trade unless the 2026 NFL draft pick the Browns got from the Jaguars is high enough to draft a big name.

• After Week 1, Cleveland’s selections were 8 and 23
• After Week 2, the Browns were selecting 4 and 15
• After Week 3, Cleveland’s picks fell to 11 and 20

Now, after Week 4’s results, where one team won and the other lost, we see the Browns picks are moving apart from each other:

1. New Orleans Saints
2. Tennessee Titans
3. New York Jets
4. Miami Dolphins
5. Cleveland Browns
6. Las Vegas Raiders
7. Carolina Panthers
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. New York Giants
10. Houston Texans

All the way down at pick 22 is the Jaguars with their 3-1 record.

With the Jets and Dolphins facing off on Monday Night Football, there should be one fewer winless team. Depending on tiebreakers, the second MNF game could impact the Browns as well, with the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) and Denver Broncos (1-2) facing off.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...tion-browns-move-up-jaguars-down-after-week-4

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns winners and losers from Week 4’s loss to Lions

The Detroit Lions are a very good team this year, coming off a 15-win season last year, so nobody is surprised with that statement. They have excellent offensive firepower, but the Cleveland Browns have the league’s #1 defense. Which should make for good football.

Cleveland shocked the Green Bay Packers the week before, who were rated #2 in the NFL power rankings. Maybe, just maybe, the Browns could rock the NFL universe with a victory over another great club. Could they? The Lions have a good passing attack, which will be one of the things to watch against that high-ranked Cleveland pass defense.

In the end, one of the best clubs in the league took Cleveland to the woodshed 34-10 in a game in which the Browns did not show much of an offense, and their defense remained on the field for too long.

RELATED: MISTAKES ON OFFENSE, SPECIAL TEAMS REAR THEIR UGLY HEAD

So who played well for the Browns? Who didn’t?

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BROWNIES​

DT Maliek Collins – The Cleveland offense was pretty bad for most of the contest, and because of this, the defense remained on the field longer. Collins was able to get more snaps and was a force all game. In the second quarter, facing a second-and-nine, Collins nailed RB David Montgomery for no gain. Two possessions later, it was Collins who grabbed RB Jahmyr Gibbs for a two-yard loss after beating RG Tate Ratledge. The very next down, Collins Montgomery took the handoff and attempted to dodge Collins, who had split both center and guard for just a one-yard gain to force a third-and-11. On the Lions’ first touchdown beginning at Cleveland’s five, Collins beat Ratledge again to the inside and gobbled up Montgomery for no gain. Had five total tackles with one QB hit.

LB Devin Bush – Had a play here and there, but with 14:55 left in the game, Detroit went for it with a fourth-and-two at Cleveland’s 24-yard line. DE Myles Garrett strung the offensive lineman along as Bush broke the gap and was able to push Gibbs out at the 23-yard line for a turnover of downs. Bush had a good tackle in the first quarter on a third-and-seven when he hit Gibbs for a four-yard gain on a short pass in the right flats to force a punt. Led all tacklers with nine. He did allow the big completion to TE Sam LaPorta just before halftime.

Opening drive – Wonderful work by the offense to start the game after the Lions were forced to punt. Starting at their own 12, WR Jerry Jeudy started things off with a nice 11-yard gain followed by RB Quinshon Judkins’ 10-yard gallop. On third-and-four, QB Joe Flacco found WR Isaiah Bond for 16 yards. Flacco then hit Jeudy in full stride for a 33-yard gain to Detroit’s 45-yard line. Two short completions, and the Browns found themselves with a first-and-goal at the one-yard line. Judkins then was hit at the one on fourth down, but kept churning his legs for the score. 13 plays, 88 yards, 7:10 of clock, and a 7-0 lead. Flacco was 5-5 on this drive.

Defense stopping a fourth down – The Lions just assumed they could just go for it at any time and either get a first down or score. But the Browns showed why they are one of the best clubs against the run this year. At the end of the third quarter, Detroit began at its own 46 after the missed 56-yard field goal. Gibbs busted out a 22-yard gain along the right end and was facing a third-and-two at the Browns’ 24. An incomplete pass made it fourth-and-two. Instead of trotting out their kicker, the Lions went for it. Collins shot the gap while Garrett strung out the right tackle Penei Sewell. Bush came out of nowhere and pushed Gibbs out of bounds one yard short of the first down conversion.

RB Quinshon Judkins – Nothing spectacular, but consistent and was a fighter until the end. Converted a third-and-two halfway through the third stanza for a first down. With 7:45 left in the game, his push kept his carry going for a key first down to the Lions’ 18-yard line. Had a nice 11-yard gain in the third quarter for 11-yards that only had one man to beat. Led all Cleveland rushers with 21 carries for 82 yards, one touchdown, and a 3.9 yards per carry average.

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FROWNIES​

Final Lions drive right before halftime – Browns punter Corey Bojorquez sent a beauty to Detroit’s 16-yard line with just :55 left in the second quarter. A five-yard penalty on Garrett put it on the 21. After a short pass completion, QB Jared Goff then hit LaPorta, who then rambled down to Cleveland’s 27-yard line after Bush could not keep up with him. Another short completion with 21 seconds left and then two incompletions allowed the Lions to be in field goal range as Jason Bates, who has a very good leg, nailed a 58-yard field goal with :08 left.

Third down conversions – 2-7 in the first half and 3-14 for the game. No wonder the offense is in dire straits. The attitude is “just trot out the punter” and get off the field.

RT Cornelius Lucas – For the second week in a row, Lucas did not look good. To be fair, he was facing DE Aidan Hutchinson, which makes every offensive tackle look bad. The only answer Lucas had was to station a tight end on his side for most of the game to chip Hutchinson before he got a full head of steam. Lucas had a holding call in the first half and an illegal formation penalty late in the game. Hutchinson beat Lucas badly with seven minutes left, in which the defensive end was able to slam the ball out of Flacco’s hand as he was surveying the field on a passing down. Meanwhile, Hutchinson had four tackles and two sacks with four QB hits and is sitting on a beach along Lake St. Clair right now.

#Browns Joe Flacco on the pick intended for Ced Tillman vs. the #Lions: “That was on me.” pic.twitter.com/9zAaPqxI6V

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 28, 2025

Turnovers – At the half, the score was 20-7. 10 of those Detroit points were because of two interceptions. The first pick with the first quarter winding down, S Kerby Joseph made a terrific interception on a head-scratcher of a throw by Flacco. If there was an intended receiver, he wasn’t even in the vicinity of the pass. The second pick was a matter of Jeudy falling down as CB D.J. Reed dove over the top of Jeudy on a sensational pick. Flacco fumbled with 12:56 left in the third quarter, but a defensive hold took that away. The very next play, S Brian Branch had a pick right in his hands and dropped it. Then, with seven minutes left in the game, the hit by Hutchinson after he beat Lucas was a dream come true batted fumble.

The #Browns need to make a change at QB. It’s not all Flacco’s fault but we can clearly see he isn’t giving this team some sort of advantage or edge to win. Give Dillon the next 6. If he sucks, play Sanders the final 7.

— JR (@JDRhoaddog) September 28, 2025

QB Joe Flacco – To be fair, he was harassed for most of the day, mainly from Hutchinson who was beating Lucas all game long. Tossed two picks and had a fumble that was more Lucas’ fault than Flacco standing there waiting for a disaster to happen. What was with the slide on that third-and-two? Can’t dive headfirst, or didn’t know where the first down marker was? 16-34 for 184 yards, sacked three times (which should have been twice that), and a 39.3 QB rating. Very few good plays all game.

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Milk Bones – There’s nothing wrong with you that an expensive operation can’t prolong​

Minimal run game – RB Judkins had flashes while the remainder of the running back room did absolutely nothing. 27 carries for 79 total yards is nothing to write Grandma about.

Special teams – Kickoff coverage was good, with tackles made by Grant Delpit and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. The punt return was a disaster as long snapper Rex Sunahara had a shot at the tackle, stood there, and then was blasted. Meanwhile, punter Bojorquez made zero effort in tackling the returner or attempting to angle him towards the sidelines. K Andre Szmyt made a 33-yard field goal, then missed a very long kick of 56 yards. Bojo had a busy day with seven punts with four downed inside the 20.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...winners-and-losers-from-week-4s-loss-to-lions

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns make several roster moves ahead of London trip

The Cleveland Browns made several roster moves on Tuesday as they team begins preparations for its Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

One day after placing kick returner DeAndre Carter on injured reserve with a knee injury, wide receiver Cedric Tillman joined him as he is now on injured reserve with a hamstring injury suffered on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

It is the latest setback for Tillman, who comes up injured every time he seems to get something going on the field. He missed three games in his rookie season and six games in 2024, and will now be out for a minimum of four games.

On the season, Tillman has 11 receptions for 106 yards and a team-leading two touchdown passes.

To help fill the void while Carter and Tillman convalesce, the Browns signed wide receivers Malachi Corley and Gage Larvadain from the practice squad.

Originally a third-round selection by the New York Jets in the 2024 NFL Draft, the 5-foot-11 and 215-pound Corley has played in nine games, all with the Jets, and has three receptions for 16 yards. He also has a limited number of snaps on special teams.

The 5-foot-9 and 180-pound Larvadain started his college career with two seasons at Southeastern Louisiana before transferring to Miami (Ohio) for two seasons, then closing things out with one season at South Carolina. All told, Larvadain finished his college career with 157 receptions for 2,154 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

Moving to the defensive side of the ball, the Browns signed cornerback Ameer Speed to the practice squad and waived cornerback Cameron Mitchell.

The 6-foot-3 and 215-pound Speed was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He has appeared in 15 games while playing for the Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears, playing primarily on special teams.

As for Mitchell, he opened the season by playing just nine snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals, but was called on in Week 2 when cornerback Denzel Ward dealt with cramps during the game.

That did not go well for Mitchell as Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson picked on Mitchell, which led to the Browns making him a gameday inactive the past two weeks.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...eveland-browns-cedric-tillman-injured-reserve

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cam Robinson contract: Browns assume small amount, salary cap hit

Despite the 1-3 start, the story of the Cleveland Browns season has not been written yet. The team obviously believes they have a chance to still win games, as shown with the trade to acquire OT Cam Robinson on the Monday following a big loss to the Detroit Lions. The hope is that Robinson can help stabilize the left tackle position and that Jack Conklin can come back healthy at right tackle.

With the AFC North having just one team with a winning record, Cleveland’s chances might be higher than most would assume at 1-3.

As always, since the Deshaun Watson trade and contract, dollars and cents, along with salary cap space, are vital parts of Browns roster decisions. With the Robinson trade, Cleveland inherits the one-year, $12 million contract the Houston Texans signed the left tackle to this offseason. What is interesting about that contract is how it was paid out:

• Signing Bonus: $8.75 million
• Salary: $2 million
• Roster Bonus: $1.25 million

With a majority of the contract already paid out, the Browns will not be on the hook for much of that $12 million:

Robinson got most of his $12M from Houston via signing bonus, so Browns take on rest of $2M base and $1.25M per-game roster bonuses. Gives Cleveland veteran help after Dawand Jones injury. https://t.co/6oDUwj19ym

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 29, 2025

Spotrac says that Cleveland owes the following for Robinson this season:

• Salary: $1.56 million
• Roster bonus: $955,882
• Incentives: $500,000

Combined, a total of just over $3 million is to be paid out and against the salary cap for a player that the Browns hope will solidify the left tackle position. For this season, Cleveland was in the top 10 with over $15 million in salary cap space. The team will need as much of that space as possible to rollover into next year’s salary cap, but valued Robinson enough to spend $3 million of what could have been rolled over.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...act-browns-assume-small-amount-salary-cap-hit