Diggs being open for Maye is going to be essential against Cleveland's pass rush, the top defense in the NFL in pass rush win rate, according to ESPN Analytics. Maye noted how the Browns' quick pass rush works in tandem with their secondary. With players like DE Myles Garrett on the defensive line, they have forced quarterbacks to make quick decisions, allowing cornerbacks and safeties to get a jump.
"Them getting to the quarterback, the ball out part of it, the team's wanting to get the ball out fast anyway," Maye said. "So, just knowing with 1-on-1 opportunities and knowing when we do have a little more protection up front to try to take advantage of the down-the-field throws. I think their corners do a good job of sitting on stuff because they know the ball may be out, and their safeties do a good job of getting their eyes back because they're seeing the rush from their point of view."
Garrett heads a defense with 18 sacks this season, including seven in the last three games. T Will Campbell will help block Cleveland's edge rushers, including Garrett. The rookie lineman recognized that while Garrett heads the defensive line, he isn't the only player that can make an impact.
Garrett has five sacks this season, leading the Browns, while DT Maliek Collins has 3.5 sacks and DE Alex Wright has two. Along with Garrett, Collins and Wright, four other Browns linemen have recorded a sack, forcing offensive lines to diversify their blocking schemes.
Campbell looked beyond the Browns' defensive line as well, saying the Browns' linebackers have played well this season and that they have skillful defensive backs. He said Cleveland has a talented defense from top to bottom, acknowledging the challenge New England faces on Oct. 26.
"We have to be ready to go," Campbell said.