The Cleveland Browns have been a mess on defense all season, ranking 31st in overall defense, rushing defense and points allowed per game.
But that does not mean the defense has not been without some bright spots, one of whom has been third-year linebacker Christian Kirksey, who has already set career highs in tackles and become a cornerstone for the defense in his first year as a full-time starter.
Kirksey has possibly benefited the most from the mid-season acquisition of linebacker Jamie Collins – a player opposing offenses have to be aware of — and the improved play f second-year nose tackle Danny Shelton – who is eating up blockers at the line of scrimmage.