Browns’ defense loves turnovers
A big reason for the Cleveland Browns advancing from last year’s 0-16 record to their current mark of 5-7-1: takeaways.
Entering Saturday’s game against the Broncos, the Browns’ 28 takeaways are second-most in the NFL, behind only Chicago (34). The Browns have 15 interceptions and a league-leading 13 fumble recoveries. Last year, the Browns’ 13 takeaways were fewest in the league.
Broncos coach Vance Joseph credits Browns interim coach/defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for the improvement.
“That’s his M.O.,” Joseph said after practice Tuesday. “He’s been a guy over his career that has taken the ball away with scheme and also having good players.”
The Browns have at least one takeaway in 12 of 13 games and have nine multi-takeaway games.
A hallmark of a Williams scheme is pressure. Against Carolina on Sunday, the Browns had four-, five- and six-man pressures — all on the Panthers’ first possession.
“It’s a lot of volume,” Joseph said of Williams’ playbook. “But that’s the way he’s been forever. He’s going to (blitz) some corners, he’s going to bring some ‘Cover Zero,’ (no safeties downfield) on first and second downs. Our guys will have to be really sharp with their assignments to conquer this defense.” waived Thomas The Broncos safety Shamarko and signed safety Trey Marshall to the active roster, the team announced Tuesday.
“It was a great feeling finally having the chance to go out and prove that you’re worthy of being in the NFL,” Marshall said.
Marshall, an undrafted rookie from Florida State, made the Broncos’ practice squad after recording nine tackles and one pass defended in four preseason games. Marshall (6-0, 207) started two seasons at FSU with 135 tackles, one sack and six passes defended. Marshall missed significant playing time in his sophomore and senior seasons.
“(Marshall) is a young player that’s got some range in the pass game,” Joseph said. “We’ll see how he progresses during the week (to see) whether he’ll be up (against the Browns) or not.”
Thomas signed with the Broncos in August after being cut from the Colts, and through six game appearances with Denver he played 91 special teams snaps and 19 defensive snaps. Thomas finished with seven tackles.
At the league’s winter meeting on Tuesday, the NFL informed teams that projections for the 2019 salary cap are in the range of $187-$191 million. This year’s salary cap is $177.2 million.
Per the industry website Over The Cap, the Broncos currently have $150.6 million committed to 2019 salaries, but they could create more space with offseason roster cuts, such as veterans Brandon Marshall ($5 million), Darian Stewart ($3.6 million) and guard Ron Leary ($7.5 million).