The 11-5 Cleveland Browns are 2nd in the AFC North and have clinched the 5th seed in the AFC Playoff Picture.
Their defense has been outstanding this season, as they are one of the best in the league. They have allowed the 11th fewest points, the least amount of total yards, the least amount of first downs, and the least amount of passing yards. They also have the 3rd most takeaways and allow the 10th fewest rushing yards.
Unfortunately for the defense, one of their starting linebackers is likely out for the remainder of the 2023 season.
The Cleveland Browns placed their starting linebacker on injured reserve
The Browns placed middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. on injured reserve. Walker injured his knee during practice and missed Week 15. He then underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee on December 21 and missed Weeks 16 and 17. He will miss the remainder of the 2023 season (unless Cleveland makes it to the Super Bowl).
Walker was one of the best tacklers on the team. He had 44 tackles, one for a loss, two quarterback hits, four pass deflections, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a 71.1 PFF Grade in 12 games.
Who will be his replacement?
Sione Takitaki will likely be the starting middle linebacker. Takitaki has played well this season. He has appeared in 15 games and started in seven. He has 65 tackles, three for a loss, three quarterback hits, two sacks, one interception, three pass deflections, and a 68.7 PFF Grade.
Tony Fields II is also expected to get more playing time with Walker out. Fields II has appeared in every game and started in three. He has 24 tackles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. His role will likely increase in the playoffs.
Who’s their other starter?
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the other starting LB. Owusu-Koramoah has been dominant in his third season. He has 101 tackles, 20 for a loss, five quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, six pass deflections, one forced fumble, and a 75.2 PFF Grade.
What impact does Walker’s injury have on the defense?
Losing Anthony Walker Jr. to injured reserve negatively impacts their defense because he’s one of their best players. Walker is one of the better tacklers on the team.
Another reason why this negatively impacts the team is because he was one of their captains on defense. He was voted as a season-long captain by his teammates. Being captain means that you are one of the leaders of the team. Losing a leader to injury never helps.
Can they make a deep playoff run?
Will the Cleveland Browns play lights out in the playoffs and win their first Super Bowl? Stay tuned because this will get interesting.
