There was speculation that the Cleveland Browns defense could be in trouble without superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett this week.
He was unable to suit up against the Philadelphia Eagles after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week.
We will place DE Myles Garrett on the reserve/COVID-19 list. pic.twitter.com/BCyHgg6nXs
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 20, 2020
Losing one of the best pass rushers in the league is not the best way to start a week.
However, the Browns defense was able to rally together and get the win on Sunday.
One of the big reasons for that win was the performance by Olivier Vernon on defense.
Vernon vs Philly
Heading into this game, Vernon was looking like one of the biggest disasters on this Browns defense.
Through seven games, Vernon had 16 tackles, four quarterback hits, and two sacks.
The 30-year-old was looking like a liability of the field, but that changed in Week 11.
Vernon was able to shine like a star against the Eagles on Sunday.
🚨 SAFETY IN THE LAND 🚨
Olivier Vernon gets after Carson Wentz in his own endzone
(via @Browns) pic.twitter.com/qxeZcNjZuH
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 22, 2020
He finished the game with four tackles and three sacks in the 22-17 win over the Eagles.
Vernon was able to surpass his season total in sacks with just one game against the horrendous Philadelphia offensive line.
It was a great outing by Vernon as the Browns were finally able to get some production out of him.
Can He Keep It Up?
It’s unclear at the moment if Garrett will be able to suit up next week.
Regardless, Browns fans shouldn’t expect this kind of performance to happen again.
The Eagles offensive line is banged up and taken advantage of by opposing defenses just about every week.
Vernon finally put together a solid performance, but fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
In Week 8, Vernon recorded two sacks versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
He followed up that game with a one tackle performance during his next contest.
Although, Vernon isn’t letting his performance on the field get into his head.
#Browns Olivier Vernon on his big game pic.twitter.com/XrMnYTEN0z
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham) November 22, 2020
The Browns are 7-3 and need to keep their focus on winning games and not individual stats.
Of course, it’s great to see Vernon finally doing something productive on the field.
However, Browns fans should prepare for Vernon to come back down to Earth next week.
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