The Cleveland Browns defense struggled to find their groove in their 24–6 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The playoff-hungry Bengals displayed a passing clinic behind the arm of their quarterback, Joe Burrow. He took advantage of a Browns secondary that could not cover the elite Bengals pass catchers in Ja’Marr Chase and company. The three passing touchdowns, 252 passing yards, and zero interceptions were performances Browns fans are used to seeing against their team.
Cleveland’s rushing defense was not much better when completing their objective. They allowed the Bengals rushing attack to secure 116 team rushing yards with an average of 5.3 yards per carry. This is one of the tasks they need to improve on next season, especially against teams who are pass-heavy offenses and don’t rely on the run. The defensive line however was able to bring down Burrow an impressive four times out of eight quarterback hits.
Let’s now take a look at the Browns’ top-rated PFF defenders in their Week 16 defeat:
LB Devin Bush
CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 15: Devin Bush #30 of the Cleveland Browns speaks to linebackers coach
Jason Tarver during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field on December 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Overall: 91.9
Run defense: 75.2
Coverage: 91.3
DE Myles Garrett
Dec 22, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Overall: 87.3
Run defense: 65.6
Pass rush: 87.4
DT Michael Hall Jr
Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) reacts after a play during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Overall: 80.6
Run defense: 81.8
Pass rush: 64.4
