Browns defense suffers big blow ahead of Titans matchup

The Tennessee Titans received some very good news on Friday via the Cleveland Browns' decision to rule out cornerback Greg Newsome II.  It's a big blow for the Browns defense, as Newsome does a lot of things for Jim Schwartz's new-look unit. With Greg Newsome II out for Cleveland, they lose their most versatile cornerback. […]

Evan Winter NFL Managing Editor
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Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) celebrates with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) after a touchdown run during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans received some very good news on Friday via the Cleveland Browns' decision to rule out cornerback Greg Newsome II. 

It's a big blow for the Browns defense, as Newsome does a lot of things for Jim Schwartz's new-look unit.

With Greg Newsome II out for Cleveland, they lose their most versatile cornerback. Newsome is a very good cornerback on the boundary and he slides inside on nickel and dime packages. Cleveland will call on second-year cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. to handle the full-time boundary role opposite of Denzel Ward. Rookie Cam Mitchell out of Northwestern could take over the slot snaps, per Kevin Stefanski on Friday. Interestingly enough, Mitchell is one of Newsome’s best friends, and they both hail from Northwestern. – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland

Per Pro Football Focus, Newsome II is the team's second-highest graded corner, overall, and he also has the second-best coverage grade in the Browns secondary. The third-year corner has allowed four of his six targets to be completed, but he's allowed just 34 receiving yards, which is good for 8.5 yards per reception. Opposing QBs average an 81.3 rating when throwing his way.

It'll be interesting to see how the Titans take advantage of this opportunity. It can certainly play a big role in a Week 3 win if they play their cards correctly.

Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports