Tag Archives: Joe Schobert

Browns have two of AFC North’s best linebackers

Posted on by
Advertisements

Cleveland Browns linebackers Joe Schobert and Jamie Collins have placed in the Top 5 of the AFC North’s best linebackers according to Pro Football Focus.

The accolades continue to come in for the Cleveland Browns. Joe Schobert and Jamie Collins have been named two of the best linebackers in the AFC North according to Pro Football Focus.

Joe Schobert

Joe Schobert appeared in 13 games for the Cleveland Browns in 2018, three games were missed due to injury. While Schobert was sidelined the Browns defense did not play at the same level when compared to when Schobert was on the field. Cleveland struggled to stop opposing offenses without Schobert.

When Schobert was on the field he made 103 total tackles, three of which went for a loss. Schobert also managed three sacks on the year. In addition to tackles, Schobert intercepted one pass, defended six passes, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles.

This production led to Schobert receiving the grade of 78.2 which classifies as “Good” according to PFF. This grade also places Joe Schobert at the top of AFC North linebackers last season.

Jamie Collins

Jamie Collins may be one of the more divisive players on the Cleveland Browns defense. Collins is known for occasionally taking plays off and not necessarily giving maximum effort at all times. This had led to varying opinions on the Browns linebacker.

Jamie Collins combined to make 104 total tackles, 73 of them were of the solo variety. Collins managed to sack the quarterback four times last season, reaching a total that has not been met since his time in New England. With 13 tackles for loss, Collins was able to make plays in the backfield from time to time. Collins was also able to intercept one pass, defend four passes, force and recover one fumble.

This production from Jamie Collins led to Pro Football Focus giving him a grade of 62.3 which classifies as “Average” by their scale. Collins was able to round out the Top 5 linebackers in the AFC North.

The importance of Joe Schobert

Posted on by
Advertisements

Cleveland Browns linebacker Joe Schobert may not be a household name, but the impact he has on the defense cannot be ignored.

There is a distinct difference in the Cleveland Browns defense between when Joe Schobert is playing and when is not. In overall look and feel of the defense to the actual production of the unit. Similar to Sean Lee and the Dallas Cowboys, the defense is just not the same without them on the field.

The Cleveland Browns are 3-3-1 with Joe Schobert on the field and 0-3 without him. (via @TheSchoGoesOn53 on Twitter)

In seven games this season Schobert has 56 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. This is quite impressive. In fact Pro Football Focus ranks Schobert as the second best linebacker with a grade of good. PFF gives him a grade of 85.9 which equates to good by their standard.

The Browns defense has allowed 23.8 points per game when Schobert plays. However what must considered is that three of those games were overtime games. Looking at a per quarter basis Cleveland allows 5.3 points per quarter. In a regulation game this amounts to roughly 21.5 points per game. In games that Schobert does not participate in there is a distinct difference. Cleveland allows 32 points per game without Schobert this season and eight points per quarter.

Schobert is not the greatest linebacker out on the field. He may not be the most athletic or talented, but when looking at his impact on the game it is hard to argue. Schobert is important to the Browns defense. Whether it is his presence on the defense or any changes he makes before a play, Cleveland is a better defensive unit with him on the field.

He may not get the national attention or the proper respect he deserves, but it is time to start giving it to him. Joe Schobert certainly deserves it.