The Cleveland Browns didn't need fireworks from their offense on Sunday. They had their defense, and that was more than enough.
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Cleveland edged the Green Bay Packers 13-10 in Week 3 behind a defensive performance that looked an awful lot like the unit that carried the franchise into the playoffs in 2023. The Browns kept Green Bay out of rhythm all afternoon, buying time until the offense finally found a spark late.
That spark came courtesy of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who ripped off a 38-yard run in the fourth quarter to flip field position. One play later, safety Grant Delpit delivered the game's turning point with a crafty interception of Jordan Love, setting Cleveland up at the Packers' 4-yard line. Judkins punched it in to tie the game at 10.
From there, the defense (and special teams) finished the job. Veteran lineman Shelby Harris knifed through for a blocked field goal in the closing minutes, giving the Browns one final chance. Dustin Hopkins nailed a 55-yard walk-off kick to seal it.
The numbers are staggering through three weeks: No. 1 in total yards allowed. No. 1 in fewest first downs (39). Just 172 rushing yards surrendered all season, at a stingy 2.3 yards per carry. And a top-four pass defense to boot.
"As good as we want to be," star defensive lineman Myles Garrett said. "We have talent at every level, and if we execute, we can be the very best."
Next up: a road trip to face the Lions, another chance to prove this defense is back among the NFL's elite.
