Browns defense is off to historic start

The Cleveland Browns (3-2) upset the formerly undefeated San Francisco 49ers (5-1) 19-17 in Week 6, and it was thanks to their defense, which is off to a historic start to the season.

The Browns defense has allowed just 1,002 yards through five games this year. It is the fewest any team has given up through the first five games in over 50 years, per NFL on CBS.

Only the 1971 Baltimore Colts (836 yards allowed) and the 1970 Minnesota Vikings (945) allowed fewer, according to NFL345.

Most people counted Cleveland out before the opening kickoff after it was announced that QB Deshaun Watson was inactive, but its defense, led by new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, had different plans.

"It's that swagger that Jim's brought and help bring out of us," DE Myles Garrett said. "That kind of confidence, we exude it all through the week. ... No matter who's on the field, we know we can bang with anybody."

The Browns held the 49ers offense, which ranks as the seventh best in total yards per game (371.3), to just 215 yards and handed the Niners their first regular-season loss since October 2022.

Cleveland's defense now ranks as the best team in total yards allowed per game (200.4) and passing yards allowed per game (121.4), the fourth-best team in rushing yards allowed per game (79), and the fifth-best team in points allowed per game (15.4).

Veteran safety Juan Thornhill, who joined the team on a three-year deal this offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Chiefs, believes the 2023 Browns are built different.

"This defense is the best defense that I've ever been a part of and I've been to three Super Bowls," Thornhill told reporters. "I feel like this can be a time for us to take off and make everybody believe what we're really about."

There is still a lot of season remaining, but if Cleveland's defense continues playing at the level it has been, the Browns could certainly find their way into the postseason as a dark-horse contender.