As we reach the midseason point of the PML season, we’re starting to get a clearer idea of who’s for real and who’s not. With that being said, it’s time for another midseason report. Today, we break down the Cleveland Browns and how they have fared under multi-time Super Bowl Champion, Coach Dot.
Cleveland Browns fans exploded with joy when they learned that Coach Dot would be taking over the struggling franchise. For the first time in what felt like forever, they finally had hope. Coach Dot is an experienced and well-respected leader throughout the league, but most importantly—he’s a serial winner. If anyone can take a burning franchise and turn it around, it’s him.
It’s fair to say most fans were anticipating instant success, and while the record doesn’t exactly reflect that, this has been a better start to a Browns season than any in recent memory. The best part? It’s only midseason, and sitting at 4-3 and atop the division is very impressive considering the talent level on this roster. So, Browns fans, breathe easy—you’re in safe hands.
Breaking down their games so far, the Browns have handled every division matchup, sitting at 3-0 in the AFC North, which is a key reason they currently lead the division. Where have the struggles come? Against the North—but not the AFC North. Cleveland has faced the entire NFC North and, to most people’s surprise, came away without a single win. However, they remain undefeated in the AFC at 4-0. And if you’re going to lose games, better they come outside the conference rather than in crucial divisional or conference matchups.
As for where the success is coming from on the field—the defense is reigning supreme. The Browns rank in the Top 3 across three major defensive categories. On the other hand, the offense has struggled statistically, which makes sense given the roster’s talent. If this team is going to make noise, the defense will need to carry much of the weight. Still, there’s time for the offense to improve before the season’s end.
Let’s break it down:
Team Offense Stats/Rankings:
- Points Per Game: 28 PPG (29th)
- Total Yards Per Game: 355.7 YPG (31st)
- Passing Yards Per Game: 267.1 YPG (24th)
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 88.6 YPG (19th)
Team Defense Stats/Rankings:
- Points Allowed Per Game: 26 PPG (2nd)
- Total Yards Allowed Per Game: 335.9 YPG (2nd)
- Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 224.3 YPG (1st)
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 111.6 YPG (20th)
The foundation of the Browns’ success has clearly been their defense. Clicking on all cylinders, the only arguable weak spot has been their run defense, but even then, they more than make up for it with dominance across nearly every other defensive category.
The real concern in the long run lies on the offensive side of the ball. Can rookie Shedeur Sanders—or even Dillon Gabriel, who started the Browns’ most recent game—clean things up and move the chains more consistently? The team has two young stud running backs who are set to be franchise cornerstones for the duration of the cycle. If the Browns can add a few more weapons at wide receiver and reinforce the offensive line, it could very well become their conference to lose.
And even now, despite the lack of true offensive firepower, you could argue it’s still their conference to lose. The defense has been so dominant at forcing turnovers and locking down opponents that it consistently bails out the offense and keeps the team afloat, even when they struggle to score.
Key Players to the Browns’ Success So Far:
Quinshon Judkins
Arguably the brightest spot of the offense in a competitive running back room, Quinshon Judkins has emerged as the clear lead back for the Cleveland Browns. He leads the team in carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns, proving to be a reliable safety valve for the rookie quarterback while helping put him in more comfortable situations within a struggling offense.
Key Stats:
- 68 Carries
- 377 Yards
- 5.5 Yards Per Carry
- 9 Rushing Touchdowns
Carson Schwesinger
The early second-round pick has been a revelation for this elite Browns defense. Stationed in the middle of the field, Schwesinger has been everywhere—wrapping up ball carriers, breaking up plays, and forcing turnovers. He’s already an early contender for Rookie Defensive Player of the Year and looks destined to compete for Defensive Player of the Year honors in the future. Schwesinger is quickly building a reputation as one of the league’s next great defenders.
Key Stats:
- 31 Total Tackles
- 4 Pass Deflections
- 2 Interceptions
- 1 Forced Fumble
Myles Garrett
No top-tier defense is complete without a premier pass rusher, and Cleveland has exactly that in Myles Garrett. Widely regarded as the best edge rusher in the NFL and arguably the league’s top defensive player, Garrett has been a nightmare for opposing offenses. Whether he’s bringing down quarterbacks, stuffing the run in the backfield, or forcing pressures that disrupt entire drives, Garrett’s presence is felt on every snap.
Key Stats:
- 11 Total Tackles
- 5 Sacks
- 1 Pass Deflection
Myles Garrett Key Stats:
– 11 Total Tackles
– 5 Sacks
– 1 Pass Deflection
Honorable Mentions
- Denzel Ward: The veteran cornerback continues to shadow opposing WR1s and limit their impact, consistently shutting down top targets through multiple games.
- Dylan Sampson: While not leading the team in rushing, the rookie has become one of the most frequently targeted players in the passing game, providing another safety valve for the rookie quarterback and adding versatility to the offense.
With all that being said, this concludes the midseason report for the Cleveland Browns. Sitting at 4-3 and holding a one-game lead in the AFC North, they’ve positioned themselves well for the stretch run. Be sure to check back at the end of the season to see how far they’ve come and where they stand. And most importantly—stay tuned for more analysis and coverage of teams across the league.
