Pressure on QB Lamar Jackson

The Browns defense will face another elite quarterback when it takes the field against QB Lamar Jackson, who can use his legs to escape pressure and run with the ball, as well as throw the ball at a high level.

This season, Jackson has been sacked 23 times, which ranks 26th in the league among all quarterbacks who played this season. Among quarterbacks who have played in all 16 games this season, only Bills QB Josh Allen has been sacked less often than Jackson, with 14 sacks.

When the Browns faced the Ravens in Week 8, they sacked Jackson a total of three times, for a net loss of 26 yards. Their ability to put renewed pressure on Jackson – particularly from their defensive line – could play an important role in Week 18.

“You have a quarterback component (the running attack) and then you have to chase the most elusive quarterback in the NFL who can extend plays and also throw on time,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “We need our entire defensive line and all of our coordinated coverage to play well.”

DE Myles Garrett said they couldn’t take Jackson out of the game completely because of his ability to use his legs and throw the ball. Because of his dual-threat ability, Garrett said they have to pay attention to when he stays in the pocket and when he breaks the pocket.

“There are definitely some other special talents at the quarterback position that are shady,” Garrett said. “Lamar has that. But he also has speed. He is fast, agile. So he has this tremendous running ability, and he can also throw the ball to pretty much anyone on the field right now.”