On paper, the Week 3 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears was expected to be close.
Although, the Browns defense wasted no time and made a statement versus Chicago.
They recorded nine sacks in what was an easy 26-6 victory in Week 3.
The defense mainly shined in this one, but it was an all-around strong performance from Cleveland.
Who Stood Out?
As always Pro Football Focus does their grades after every game of the season.
To no surprise, defensive end Myles Garrett was given a 90.0 grade versus Chicago.
He recorded six tackles and 4.5 sacks in what was a long game for veteran left guard Jason Peters.
Garrett wasn’t the only one making an impact on Sunday, but he was arguably the biggest contributor.
Although, the other players on the Browns deserve some love for what they did on Sunday.
Highest-graded #Browns from Week 3 (min. 25 snaps):
1️⃣ Kareem Hunt, RB- 90.6
2️⃣ Myles Garrett, EDGE- 90.0
3️⃣ Jack Conklin, OT- 89.1
4️⃣ Troy Hill, CB- 83.8
5️⃣ Malcolm Smith, LB- 80.0 pic.twitter.com/Z5Jhs2C5uM— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) September 27, 2021
Honestly, the biggest surprise from that list is veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith.
Nothing against Smith as a player, but he finished the game with two tackles and one pass defended.
It wasn’t a flashy game for him, but clearly he was doing enough right behind the scenes to earn a high grade.
Nonetheless, it was a much-needed performance by the Browns defense to build some momentum going forward.
Both defensive back Troy Hill and offensive tackle Jack Conklin deserve some love as well.
Through three games, Hill has proven himself to be a reliable slot defender for Cleveland.
Conklin stood his ground and helped keep the Bears pass rush in check, which earned him an 89.1 overall grade.
Overall, it was a statement win for the defense that came out of the gate slowly to begin the season.
Hunting Down Chicago
Everyone knows that the Browns have one of the best one-two punches in the league with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
It showed during the Week 3 win over Chicago as both players made a significant impact.
Hunt rushed 10 times for 81 yards and one touchdown, while hauling in six receptions for 74 yards through the air.
He was heavily involved in both facets of the game and made easy work of the Bears defense.
Kareem Hunt getting SHIFTY 😈
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/uxMaD4EuCv
— Overtime (@overtime) September 26, 2021
That being said, Hunt was well deserving of his 90.6 grade given by PFF.
The Bears had no answers for him and Hunt stepped up in the absence of wide receiver Jarvis Landry.
It was uncertain how this offense would fare without Landry on the field in Week 3.
They were able to get it done versus Chicago and hopefully be able to build off that win going forward.
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