Browns' Grant Delpit: "We Can't Have Two In A Row"
The Cleveland Browns know that they've got their hands full this week with a fabulous Seattle Seahawks offense, led by last year's NFL Comeback Player of the Year in Geno Smith and with a handful of terrific skill position players at running back and receiver.
Cleveland's defense leads the NFL in several major categories, but the Browns are coming off arguably their worst defensive performance of the season against Indianapolis.
Grant Delpit, who is turning into a star in this league, made it clear on Wednesday that the defense knows Sunday presents a staunch challenge and that they have to execute better.
It took Delpit a little while to find success, but his 2023 season has been terrific. He's certainly dealt with his fair share of adversity. In his rookie year, he suffered a torn Achilles that cost him all of 2020.
His pseudo-rookie season in 2021 had its ups and downs, but he turned in a great 2022 campaign. He finished the year with 105 tackles, 10 passes defensed, four TFLs and four interceptions.
Sep 11, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (22) celebrates with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) and safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. (33) and safety John Johnson III (43) and defensive end Myles Garrett (95) after intercepting the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In 2023, Delpit has picked up right where he left off and is truly playing at an elite level. He already has 37 tackles, two passes defensed, and one interception. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has unlocked another level of ability for the former LSU Tiger and he is taking advantage of it.
While the Browns defense that we saw on Sunday was not what we had grown used to, they still were enough to outlast the Colts. One big reason for that is they finally were able to get some takeaways.
"We (have to) be better," Delpit said. "But, we did take the ball away, and that helped our offense."
Sep 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (22) hits Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns turned the Colts over four times including three strip sacks, one interception and they added a blocked kick for good measure. It was enough but they will need to be better this week against a very good Seahawks team.
Delpit and the defense have their work cut out for them, but if there was one group in all the NFL that I would be confident in, it is this one.
