The NFL produces reams of performance stats and rankings for every team, and if you look hard enough you can find at least one stat that ranks your team #1 in the NFL. In preparation for the 2024 season I took a tour of the NFL’s stat sites to see how the 2023 Browns ranked in the league and I was surprised to find that the team was ranked #1 in 20 different stat categories.
Yes you read that right.
#1 in 20 stat categories, not all of which were on the defensive side of the ball. The Browns’ offense, under HC Kevin Stefanski, emphasizes ball control and in 2023 they led the NFL in time of possession and number of offensive plays while limiting their opponents to the fewest offensive snaps. The Browns inconsistent running game coupled with their short passing game resulted in their leading the NFL in third down attempts. Despite this, they also led the NFL in pass plays of 40 yards or more.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins tied for the lead in long-distance field goals connecting on 100% of his 8 attempts from 50+ yards while Browns special teams limited opponents to the lowest field goal conversion rate in the league.
In 2023 the Browns were dominant on defense leading the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game, fewest first down allowed and fewest 3rd down and 4th down conversions allowed. They allowed the fewest total pass yards and the lowest completion percentage along with:
the fewest pass completions allowed,
fewest yards allowed per pass attempt,
fewest passing first downs allowed,
lowest percentage of passes completed for first downs, and
fewest pass plays of 20 yards or more allowed.
The defense also led the NFL in fewest rushes allowed for first downs and lowest percentage of opponents’ rushes for first downs.
Lastly, for whatever it’s worth, Brown’s opponents committed the most penalties per game during the season.
GO BROWNS