Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Shocking stat proves how dominant Browns defense is

The Browns defense has been dominant through the first three weeks of the season, but one shocking statistic reveals just how dominant it has been.

Cleveland's defense leads the NFL in several categories, including total yards allowed per game (163.7), passing yards allowed per game (111.7), first downs allowed per game (seven), third down percentage (19.51) and points allowed per game (10.7).

Although all are impressive, one stands out among the rest; first downs allowed.

Why? Because the next closest team in first downs allowed this season is the Bills, who have allowed 41, almost double the amount of the Browns.

It has been quite the start for Cleveland's defense, proving their acquisition of new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was a great one and maybe the best all offseason.

The Browns' addition of Schwartz was the first hire of the cycle, which may have multiple teams kicking themselves after watching what he's done with his new defense.

Cleveland's defense was in the middle of the league last season, allowing 331.2 yards per game in 2022. Schwartz has clearly brought its defense to another level in 2023 by using some of his players out of their normal positions.

DE Myles Garrett has played several snaps at inside linebacker, which has confused defenses. The four-time Pro Bowler has 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble through the first three games of the season.

They say that defense wins championships. If the Browns defense can continue playing the way it has, the team may just hoist its franchise's first Lombardi trophy by season's end.

Cleveland (2-1) hosts the Ravens (2-1) in Week 4 in what will likely be a defensive divisional battle.

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