Browns Want Nickname For Defense To Come From Fans

The best defenses in NFL history have almost always earned some type of nickname — the “Legion of Boom,” “Steel Curtain” and “Orange Crush” have been among some of the best.

Is the current Cleveland Browns defense deserving of one?

They certainly seem to be after delivering a loud statement with their 19-17 win over the 49ers last Sunday, which kept them on pace for one of the greatest defensive seasons of all time. They've allowed just 1,002 total yards this season, which is the fewest from a through five games since 1971 and the third-fewest all-time by a defense.

Where might the nickname come from, though?

Safety Grant Delpit doesn’t think it’ll come from the team itself.

“I’m going to leave that up to the fans,” he said Thursday. “Up to y’all. Whatever sticks, it sticks. Yeah, let it happen.”

Fair enough. Now it’s time for fans to step up.

Some people have already tossed their ideas out on social media:

My Nickname for the Browns Defense is "THE LAKE EFFECT"

For ex. Brock Purdy in 5 Games didn't have any turnovers until he got hit by "The Lake Effect" #Browns @BIGPLAY @TheCribbsShow @Browns pic.twitter.com/tbliPS1eli
— Josh Cribbs (@JoshCribbs16) October 17, 2023

Not gonna lie “Hells’ Elves” as a nickname for the Browns defense is hysterical.
— Colb (@___Colb___) October 19, 2023

As much as I didn’t like #JunkYardDawgs as a nickname for this #Browns defense, but after sunday with the fight and everything I think it’s pretty fitting.🐶🐶🐶
— Blake McCoy (@rbm__23) October 17, 2023

One will certainly catch on if the Browns continue to dominate over their next few games, which includes slightly easier matchups against the Colts, Seahawks and Cardinals.

Those teams rank 10th, 14th and 15th in the league in total offense, however, and should pose more good challenges for the Browns defense, which shut down a 49ers offense that was ranked third in the NFL prior to Week 6.

If they continue to dominate, it'd certainly be fitting if the nickname actually does originate from the fanbase after the Browns have previously relied on fans to vote for things like the field design and their new logo.

So start brainstorming now if you haven’t already.