Browns’ D-Line Terrorizes Bengals: A Nightmare Unleashed

Days removed from a brutal home-opening loss, it's time to take out the emotion and see what the Browns did well and where things went wrong. Here are three takeaways about the Browns' defense from their Week 1 game against the Bengals after watching the all-22 film.

3 Browns' defense takeaways following Week 1 vs Bengals

Pass rush was dominant & Mason Graham is creating openings for others

All offseason, it's been clear that the way the Browns are going to win games in 2025 is on the back of the defensive line. That was on full display in Week 1, as the Browns' pass rush did a great job causing havoc and making life as hard on Joe Burrow as possible. Per

PFF, the Browns had the fourth-best pass rush grade of any team in the first week of the season, thanks to 15 pressures and three (consecutive) sacks.

Most notably, Mason Graham was seeing double teams on the interior seemingly on every snap. PFF also charted Graham for being double-teamed at a 45.45 percent rate in Week 1, which was higher than Myles Garrett (granted Garrett was chipped at a 56 percent rate). Regardless, Graham was creating one-on-ones for guys like Isaiah McGuire, Maliek Collins, and Garrett (to a degree), and it allowed them to generate consistent pressure rushing four or five.

Greg Newsome is poised for a big year back on the outside

Greg Newsome is back to his natural role on the outside following the injury to Martin Emerson Jr., and he proved what he can do back as a feature cornerback in this system. There were a few reps where the Bengals noticed they had Ja'Marr Chase on Newsome, not Denzel Ward, in man-to-man coverage, and attacked him. He held up well, allowing no receptions on two targets, but he did have one pass interference on a call that could have gone either way.

When money downs came up, Schwartz wanted to show mug fronts with man coverage and one safety deep for help. Newsome's ability to lock down whoever comes his way will do wonders opposite an All-Pro talent in Ward.

Bengals did a good job isolating Denzel Ward in run game early

The Bengals did get off to a strong start, scoring on the opening drive and running the ball without much trouble. Along with getting solid push, Cincinnati did a solid job schematically isolating Ward in the run game and forcing him to come downhill and make tackles. Ward was charted to have three missed tackles, with possibly all coming on the first drive in the game. One time came on Chase in the pass game, but there were a few occasions of Ward being left unblocked, and he didn't make the play.

As an outside corner with his frame, especially considering his injury history, tackling is never going to be a strength. He's usually much better than this, and it shouldn't be too much of a concern going forward unless it isn't cleaned up.

Kelvin Banks Jr. steps into the biggest challenge of his young career

There were high expectations when the New Orleans Saints drafted Kelvin Banks Jr., and he's lived up to those expectations from Day 1. He has received praise from former Saints offensive tackle, Terron Armstead. Banks carried his strong preseason momentum into the regular season. In his matchup vs Josh Sweat, he did a solid job of keeping him away from the quarterback.

Banks kept a clean sheet, giving up zero sacks, hits, and penalties. He finished his rookie debut against the Arizona Cardinals with an above average PFF grade of 69.1. Josh Sweat has proven himself to be a consistently dependable pass rusher, but the degree of difficulty skyrockets in week 2. He will have to go head to head with Nick Bosa for many snaps.

The Saints week 2 showdown at home vs the 49ers will highlight a fantastic matchup in the trenches between a first round rookie offensive tackle and an all pro edge rusher, who will be looking to give him a warm welcome to the NFL.

Kelvin Banks Jr. has been battle tested, but Nick Bosa is completely different challenge

There's an argument to be made that Banks is the most important player on the Saints this week. San Francisco is heavily hampered offensively due to injuries, so the defense will be vital for their success. Bosa has the ability to to take over and wreck a game. Pressures can turn into errant throws or even strip sacks that give the 49er offense a short field. Whoever has Bosa in front of them is one of, if not, the most important players on that snap.

Young offensive tackles often get baited into making mistakes against elite pass rushers, who thrive on exposing inexperienced rookies. Bosa is coming off a disruptive opening week outing, where he recorded 3 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. He is looking forward to carrying that momentum against the Saints young offensive tackles.

Bosa has been one of the premier pass rushers since entering the league in 2019. His elite physical traits and relentless motor have consistently allowed him to overwhelm offensive tackles. He’s a 5 time Pro Bowler, and a former Defensive Player of the Year, recording 63.5 sacks in 81 career games.

Banks was tested throughout his time at the University of Texas. Facing elite competition is nothing new to him, as he battled against former first round picks Will Anderson Jr. and Will McDonald. While those were impressive matchups, the professional level provides a different level of strength and competition.

Bosa poses an even greater challenge, and Banks will need to bring his A game to prevent him from wrecking the game. This matchup will be an early test, giving the Saints a glimpse of how promising their first round pick really is.