Browns Secondary Duo Answers the Bell Proving They Are Elite

Cleveland's secondary has been down their best player for the last month now. On Sunday you wouldn't have been able to tell thanks to the play of Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome

The best player in the Cleveland secondary this year and for the last five years has been Denzel Ward. While Ward sticks to receivers like glue, he has been known to miss a game or two throughout the season, and 2023 has been no different.

Ward's last game action came on November 19th is Cleveland against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that game, he accomplished something that no other cornerback has in the NFL. He had a pass breakup in the game notching his 10th one of the season making him the only defensive back to ever have at least two interceptions and 10-plus PBU's in each of his first seven seasons.

Soon after the game he began to experience discomfort in his shoulder that forced him to miss the ensuing three games.

Without Ward, each member of the secondary was going to have to step up. The first two games minus No. 21 were a little shaky and then Sunday this group dominated the football game, particularly Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II. 

Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) breaks up a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

This duo has been fun to watch in the Cleveland secondary for the last two seasons. They have grown up before our eyes and 2023 has been a career season for each one. 

On Sunday these two combined for nine tackles, three interceptions and three passes defensed. They forced Jaguar quarterback Trevor Lawrence to have a 23.8 passer rating when he targeted these two. Elite stuff from Emerson and Newsome.

Browns fans had been waiting for a performance like this from this group and they got it in a big way on Sunday. With four games to go, the Browns are hopeful to get Ward back to further improve their secondary and make it challenging for teams to throw it on them.

If he can't go, leave it to Emerson and Newsome to hold down the backend.