The Cleveland Browns have gotten off to an excellent start on the defensive side of the ball in the 2023 season. They are currently the No. 1 unit in the NFL, ranking first overall in points and yardage allowed.

This unit has been dominant from the opening snap of the season. The Tennessee Titans, their Week 3 opponents, were the first team to even get into the red zone against them. The Browns lost a lead in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite their defense holding them to -7 yards in the fourth quarter.

A big reason Cleveland struggled last season was the inconsistencies of their defense. This group wanted to ensure that didn’t happen again as they have come to play thus far this season.

The influence of new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has definitely been felt as they are getting production from up and down the roster. At least one player from every level of their defense is ranked in the top 20 of PFF’s defensive grades.

In Week 4, the Browns are going to be facing yet another stiff test. They will be hosting their AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, who had a new-look offense themselves. Todd Monken took over as offensive coordinator from Greg Roman and has revamped their offensive attack.

While the coordinator has changed, the biggest challenge remains the same; slowing down former MVP, Lamar Jackson. While it won’t be easy, Browns’ safety Juan Thornhill believes he and his teammates will be up for it.

Jackson has been throwing the ball more in Monken’s system and many people believe the best is yet to come. However, if you focus too much on slowing him down in that regard, the team is going to blitz you with running plays.

The Ravens present a unique challenge for the Browns on offense, something they haven’t seen yet this season. It will be a good measuring stick game as Baltimore is normally amongst the most efficient offenses in the NFL with Jackson at the helm.