The Cleveland Browns defense has been one of the best in the NFL through the first nine games of the season.
Anchored by the play of defensive end Myles Garrett, the secondary and the adjustments by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Cleveland has allowed the third-fewest points and the fewest yards in the league. Even more, the team’s -32.0% defensive DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average) ranks first in the NFL, according to FTN.
That production also ranks among the best of the past four decades. Cleveland’s defensive DVOA numbers through the first half of the season are seventh among all teams since 1981, per FTN.
Hey look, it's the Cleveland #Browns #DawgPound on the list of the best defenses (since 1981) through half a season. pic.twitter.com/2mJDBqiLi8
— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@ASchatzNFL) November 7, 2023
This is a good list to be on. Every team here won at least 10 games, and seven of the other nine teams won their division and made the playoffs. Only the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles and the 2012 Chicago Bears failed to make the postseason. Four teams on this list advanced to the conference championship or Super Bowl as well, with the 1996 Green Bay Packers and 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking home Lombardi Trophies.
The AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens – who have the second-best defensive DVOA behind the Browns this season – technically should be on this list as well. Baltimore’s 28.8% DVOA is tied with the 1996 Packers. This checks out because, at 7-2, the Ravens not only hold the edge in the division but are also tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC.
To sum it up: Teams with good defenses typically do well in the NFL.
And in Week 10, the Browns and Ravens will clash in a battle of the top two defenses. The winner won’t necessarily take over the division but could set the tone for the rest of the season as both look toward a postseason push.
