Data Dump: Where the Browns rank among the NFL after win vs. Jaguars

On Sunday, the victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars helped the Cleveland Browns cement their place as the first AFC Wild Card team into the playoffs. The team’s performance, led by veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, has re-energized the fanbase and garnered the attention of the national media.

It’s important to note what the Browns have accomplished this season. The team has been besieged by injuries all season losing multiple starters. The Browns are 8-5 while playing four different quarterbacks. They have the best defense in the league heading into the final months.

This week’s Data Dump will show the team recovering under the direction of Flacco. His 89 passing attempts over the past two games have marked a radical shift in the Browns’ modus operandi of running the ball down a team’s throat. With four games left in the season, the Browns’ offense is finally finding its stride heading into the playoffs.

The Browns’ historically great defense recovered nicely against the Jaguars after a bad trip out west. The unit is once again the unquestioned best in the league. The team will need to retain that position over the next month. The Browns’ playoff success will depend on them.

Jaguars Recap

The Browns and Jaguars had a hard-fought game largely decided by turnovers. This is the first Browns’ game all season when their pass rate is expected to climb above five percent. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has a lot of confidence in Flacco’s arm. He’s not afraid of letting Flacco throw to win games.

Browns stay in tier 5

The Browns remained in tier-five of the NFL rankings. Scoring 31 points didn’t elevate the offense enough to bump up a tier. A good showing against the Bears on Sunday could change that.

Browns are forcing the most punts

The Browns’ defense is impossible to move against. The team is forcing teams to punt in over a quarter of their drives.

Offensive efficiency on early downs

In the past two games under Joe Flacco, the Browns’ rushing offense began to falter due to injuries on the offensive line. Thankfully, the Browns are passing the ball well on early downs.

Browns are the best in the trenches

This is my favorite metric as it combines the subjective grading of PFF with the tracking data from ESPN. Together it paints a more complete picture of the trenches. The Browns are struggling on offense as injuries have decimated the unit.

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Story originally appeared on Browns Wire