Alex Wright's Sacks Add Value to the Cleveland Browns Front

In the Cleveland Browns’ late-season defensive resurgence, one player has emerged as a quiet but impactful force: defensive end Alex Wright. After a slow start to the 2024 season, Wright has come alive in the past six weeks, tallying 5 sacks—more than doubling his total from the first 10 games—and establishing himself as a reliable complement to Myles Garrett on the Browns’ defensive front. His ability to pressure quarterbacks has not only boosted the team’s pass rush stats but also alleviated pressure on Garrett, forcing opposing offenses to split their attention between two threats. Alex Wright's Sacks Add Value to the Cleveland Browns Front explores how Wright’s recent performance has transformed the Browns’ defensive line, the technical improvements driving his sack surge, and why his contributions are critical to the team’s playoff hopes. For the Browns, Wright’s breakout isn’t just about individual success—it’s about building a deeper, more dangerous front that can compete with the NFL’s top offenses.

Alex Wright's Sacks Add Value to the Cleveland Browns Front starts with the numbers that highlight his growing impact: after recording just 2 sacks in Weeks 1–10, Wright has tallied 5 in Weeks 11–16, including a two-sack performance in the Browns’ Week 14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. What’s most impressive is the timing of his sacks—four of them have come in the fourth quarter, including a game-sealing takedown of Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett in Week 14 that helped the Browns hold onto a 3-point lead. “Alex has always had the physical tools—size, speed, strength—but he’s finally putting it all together,” said Browns defensive line coach Chris Kiffin. “He’s reading offenses better, using his hands more effectively to beat blockers, and staying disciplined in his rush lanes. That’s the difference between a talented player and a productive one.” Wright’s sack surge has also coincided with a broader improvement in the Browns’ pass rush: the team has recorded 18 sacks in the past six weeks, up from 12 in the first 10 games, and now ranks 12th in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt—up from 20th earlier in the season.

A key factor in Wright’s sack success is his improved technical approach, particularly in how he counters offensive linemen. Early in the season, Wright relied heavily on his speed, often rushing straight upfield and leaving himself vulnerable to countermoves from blockers. Now, he’s incorporated more variety into his rush, using spin moves, inside counters, and hand fighting to disengage from blockers. Film from his Week 15 sack of Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud shows this growth: Wright initially rushed wide, drawing the Texans’ left tackle out of position, then quickly spun inside, slipping past the blocker and taking Stroud down before he could step up in the pocket. “I’ve been working with Coach Kiffin on reading the tackle’s hands and feet,” Wright explained after the game. “If I see he’s leaning out, I spin in; if he’s leaning in, I go wide. It’s about being unpredictable, and that’s helped me get to the quarterback more.” Kiffin also noted that Wright has improved his conditioning, allowing him to maintain his speed and strength late in games—critical for fourth-quarter sacks when offensive linemen are fatigued.

Alex Wright's Sacks Add Value to the Cleveland Browns Front also highlights the ripple effect of his performance on the rest of the Browns’ defensive front. For much of the season, opposing offenses have focused their blocking schemes on Garrett, using double teams and chip blocks to neutralize the NFL’s reigning sack leader. With Wright now consistently pressuring quarterbacks, offenses can no longer afford to stack defenders on Garrett—freeing him up to make more plays. In the past six weeks, Garrett has recorded 6 sacks (up from 4 in the first 10 games) and 8 quarterback hits, and he’s drawn just 12 double teams—down from 28 in the first 10 games. “Having Alex step up has been a game-changer for me,” Garrett said. “When teams have to worry about both of us, it opens up so many opportunities. He’s not just getting sacks—he’s making everyone around him better.” For the Cleveland Browns, this dynamic pass rush is exactly what they need to compete in the playoffs, where they’ll likely face quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes—players who can escape pressure if given extra time.

Another important aspect of Wright’s value is his ability to play multiple positions on the defensive front, adding depth and flexibility to the Browns’ scheme. While he primarily lines up at right defensive end, Wright has also played left defensive end and even defensive tackle in passing situations, allowing the Browns to rotate players without sacrificing pass-rush production. This versatility was on display in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars: Wright played 42 snaps (68% of the defensive snaps), splitting time between right end and tackle, and recorded 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits. “Alex’s versatility lets us do more with our defense,” said Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “We can move him around to exploit matchups, and he’s comfortable in any role we give him. That’s a rare trait for a young defensive end.” For the Cleveland Browns, this flexibility is crucial late in the season, when injuries and fatigue can thin out the depth chart. Wright’s ability to fill multiple roles means the team doesn’t have to rely on unproven backups if another defensive lineman gets hurt.

Alex Wright's Sacks Add Value to the Cleveland Browns Front concludes with what his breakout means for the Browns’ future—both in the 2024 playoffs and beyond. At just 24 years old, Wright is in his third NFL season, and his recent performance suggests he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. If he continues to develop, he could become a long-term starter opposite Garrett, giving the Browns one of the most feared pass-rush duos in the NFL for years to come. For now, though, his focus is on the playoffs. “I’m just taking it one game at a time,” Wright said. “We have a chance to do something special this year, and I want to keep contributing any way I can.” For the Cleveland Browns community, Wright’s emergence has been a welcome surprise—another reason to believe in the team’s playoff chances. As the Browns head into the postseason, they’ll need Wright to keep sacking quarterbacks and disrupting offenses. If he does, the Browns’ defensive front could be the difference between a short playoff run and a deep march toward a championship. In the end, Wright’s sacks aren’t just numbers on a stat sheet—they’re proof that the Browns are building a defensive front that can compete with the best in the NFL.