Agree - need to sustain this level for a full season for us to get kudos. That said:

https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/insider/...rprises-browns-bengals-jets-lions-texans


Jim Schwartz was the best acquisition any team made all offseason

The Browns brought in Schwartz as their new defensive coordinator this season, and so far, they appear to have the league's best, meanest and toughest defense. They held the previously unbeaten 49ers -- who had scored at least 30 points in each of their first five games -- to 17 on Sunday.

EDITOR'S PICKS

Sure, the Niners had a rash of major injuries during the game, and the Browns still needed a 41-yard Jake Moody field goal attempt to sail wide at the final whistle in order to hold on to win. But defensive end Myles Garrett and the defense stifled an offense that no one else has been able to even slow down. And as a result, the Browns are 3-2 and squarely in the AFC North hunt even though they don't have quarterback Deshaun Watson. And the Niners went home with their first loss of the season.

Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION

The numbers speak for themselves, folks. Entering Sunday, the Browns ranked first in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN's Football Power Index. They ranked 30th in offense. They've allowed a total of 1,002 yards so far this season. Only two teams since the 1970 merger allowed fewer yards in their first five games -- the 1971 Colts and 1970 Vikings. These are practically prehistoric numbers the Browns are putting up on defense.

If Watson can make it back from his right shoulder injury soon, and if the offense can get itself on track, Cleveland is going to be a major problem. Clearly, the Browns had the players, but Schwartz has brought it all together in a big way. Next week, they get the Colts, who turned it over four times Sunday in Jacksonville. Viewer discretion is advised.[i][/i][color:#33CC00][/color]