Cleveland Browns' quarterbacks kept giving the ball away, but the defense refused to blink. As Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel struggled at training camp, one NFL insider believes the Browns are quietly building an elite defensive unit.

“Whoever's going against this first-team defense right now is—it's tough sledding, man. Like, it is struggle city for whoever's going against this first-team defense,” said analyst Spencer German on 92.3 The Fan.

From the opening day of training camp through August 2, neither Watson nor Sanders has found his rhythm. Sanders has posted the better numbers, completing 70% of his passes with four touchdowns and one interception.

Meanwhile, Watson has completed 64.4% of his passes, throwing three touchdowns and six interceptions.

Both frontline quarterbacks have struggled against the Browns' defense, which prompted analyst Spencer German on 92.3 The Fan to say the defense is operating at its highest level.

“It's important to remember, like, the context of what each guy's doing on any given day. The guy who's going against the first-team defense has struggled. That's just fact,” said German.

While German's assessment may hold some truth, it's important not to overlook the fact that the defense was facing a work-in-progress offensive line and inconsistent quarterback play.

While the team is still without star defender Myles Garrett, German said the defense has been playing exceptionally well. On top of that, the analyst didn't even mention Jared Verse, who has quickly emerged as a leader since joining the team.

Last season, the Browns ranked fourth in total defense, third in pass defense, and 16th in run defense.

This year, the revamped defensive line will aim to improve on those numbers. German isn't alone in his assessment of the defense, as another analyst shares the same view.

Browns’ rebuilt defensive line is already turning heads

Many believed that trading Myles Garrett would strip the Browns of their defensive edge. However, that has hardly been the case.

They have already shown plenty of promise in training camp, looking as dominant as ever, which is why NFL insider Ashley Bastock broke down the team's defense.

The analyst expressed that it is still too early to conclude, as the real test will begin once the pads come on and the regular season starts. However, the team has already started making some noise.

“For a unit trying to establish a new identity after an offseason of sweeping change, the early returns have reflected exactly what Rutenberg has preached since arriving in Berea. If the ball is oxygen, the Browns’ defense hasn’t stopped breathing,” Bastock wrote on Cleveland.com.

Early training camp has showcased a rejuvenated defense under new coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

The unit has played with energy and discipline, adding five interceptions during Saturday's practice to raise its camp total to 10 takeaways.

Can this revamped defense carry the Browns this season despite the QB struggles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore