Defensive Depth Tested in Adversity by the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns’ defense, once a stabilizing force in the early weeks of the season, has hit a rough patch—one that’s putting the team’s depth to its biggest test yet. A string of injuries to key defensive players, including defensive tackle Maliek Collins, cornerback Denzel Ward, and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., has forced the Browns to rely on backup players and rookies far earlier than expected. What was once a unit with clear starters and proven reserves has become a rotating cast of contributors, each tasked with stepping up in high-pressure situations. Defensive Depth Tested in Adversity by the Cleveland Browns examines how the Browns are navigating this injury crisis, the challenges of plugging gaps in the lineup, and whether their depth can hold up against tough opponents in the AFC North. For a team with playoff aspirations, the answer to that question could determine the fate of their season.

Defensive Depth Tested in Adversity by the Cleveland Browns starts with the injury wave that triggered the crisis. It began in Week 7, when Walker Jr. suffered a hamstring strain against the Indianapolis Colts, sidelining him for 3-4 weeks. Just two weeks later, Collins went down with a knee sprain in the win over the Arizona Cardinals, and Ward followed suit in Week 10 with a shoulder injury during the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The trio, all starters, had combined for 62 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions before their injuries—stats that highlight their importance to the defense. “Losing three starters in three weeks is never easy, especially on the defensive side where communication and chemistry matter so much,” said Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “We knew depth would be important this season, but we didn’t expect to lean on it this heavily, this soon.” The injuries have left the Browns with a mix of veterans on one-year deals and unproven rookies filling critical roles, a combination that has already led to inconsistencies on the field.

A key challenge in this adversity is the performance of backup players, who have had to step into starting roles with little time to prepare. Take defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, for example: the third-year player, who had appeared in just 12 games before this season, was thrust into the starting lineup after Collins’ injury. In his first start against the Ravens, Togiai recorded 4 tackles but also missed two key stops that led to Ravens first downs. Similarly, rookie cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., who was drafted in the third round this year, has taken over for Ward and struggled with coverage against top wide receivers—allowing 5 completions for 89 yards in his first start. “It’s a steep learning curve for these guys,” said former NFL defensive lineman and current Browns analyst Dustin Fox. “They’re not just playing against average players—they’re going up against Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., and other Pro Bowl-caliber talent. It’s one thing to practice against these guys in training camp; it’s another to face them in a live game with the season on the line.” Despite the struggles, there have been bright spots: linebacker Sione Takitaki, a backup for most of the season, recorded his first career sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11, showing that some reserves can rise to the occasion.

Defensive Depth Tested in Adversity by the Cleveland Browns also involves tactical adjustments from Schwartz, who has had to simplify the defense to accommodate the inexperienced backups. Gone are the complex blitz packages and coverage schemes that relied on Ward’s speed and Walker Jr.’s ability to read plays. Instead, the Browns have shifted to a more basic 4-3 alignment, focusing on stopping the run and limiting big plays in the passing game. “We can’t ask these young guys to handle complicated assignments right now,” Schwartz explained. “We need to put them in positions to succeed, even if that means scaling back our playbook a bit.” The adjustments have had mixed results: the Browns held the Steelers to just 92 rushing yards in Week 11, a season low for Pittsburgh, but allowed 28 points through the air. For the Cleveland Browns, the balance between simplifying the defense and staying competitive is a delicate one. Schwartz has also leaned more on veteran defensive end Myles Garrett, giving him more snaps and more opportunities to rush the passer—a move that has paid off, with Garrett recording 3 sacks in the past two games.

Another factor in the Browns’ response to this adversity is the leadership from veteran players, who have taken it upon themselves to mentor the younger backups. Garrett, for instance, has spent extra time with Togiai after practice, teaching him how to read offensive linemen and adjust his pass-rushing moves. Safety Grant Delpit has worked with Emerson Jr. on coverage techniques, reviewing film with him every night to break down mistakes and highlight areas for improvement. “The veterans know that our success as a defense depends on everyone, not just the starters,” Delpit said. “We’re not just teammates—we’re a family, and when one person goes down, we all have to pick each other up.” This mentorship has started to show results: Emerson Jr. allowed just 2 completions for 23 yards in the Week 12 win over the Houston Texans, a significant improvement from his earlier starts. For the Cleveland Browns, this leadership is just as important as talent—it’s the glue that holds the defense together when things get tough. It also sends a message to the younger players that they’re not alone, and that the team has faith in their ability to contribute.

Defensive Depth Tested in Adversity by the Cleveland Browns concludes with the long-term implications of this stretch. While the injuries have been a setback, they’ve also given the Browns a chance to evaluate their depth and identify which backup players can be trusted in critical situations. If Togiai and Emerson Jr. continue to improve, the Browns could emerge from this adversity with a deeper, more resilient defense—one that’s better prepared for the rigors of the playoffs. “Adversity reveals character, and this defense is showing a lot of it right now,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. “We’re not making excuses; we’re adapting, and we’re getting better every week.” For the Cleveland Browns community, this stretch has been a test of patience. Fans have had to watch a defense that once looked dominant struggle with inconsistencies, but they’ve also seen glimpses of hope in the growth of young players. As the season progresses and key players start to return from injury, the Browns will have a chance to integrate these improved backups back into the lineup, creating a more versatile and experienced defense. In the end, this adversity might not be a setback—it could be the catalyst that turns a good defense into a great one, and a playoff-contending team into a championship-caliber one.