Since Pro Football Focus began tracking advanced statistics for NFL players in 2006, no pass-rusher has ever had more pressures per snap in a single game than Baron Browning did against the Indianapolis Colts in the opening game of Week 5 of the 2022 NFL season.
Browning had never even recorded a sack in an NFL regular-season game before Thursday, but his dominant performance in the national spotlight on Thursday Night Football makes him the top performer of the week among former Ohio State players in the league and the first player we’re highlighting in this week’s edition of Across The Shield.
Pro Buck of the Week: Browning dominates as pass-rusher
Browning made his first sack as an NFL player late in the first half of the Broncos’ game against the Colts when he went untouched on an explosive inside rush and took down Colts quarterback Matt Ryan in the backfield.
This sack though @baronbrwnng | @NFLonPrime
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 7, 2022
pic.twitter.com/ic0jRzpgvY
Later, in the fourth quarter, Browning split another sack with fellow Broncos edge rusher Bradley Chubb.
Sack No. 5 for the @Broncos defense tonight #INDvsDEN on Prime Video
— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2022
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/qcjXnKGOp7 pic.twitter.com/QFNrWrQHvt
Throughout the game, Browning was officially credited with 1.5 sacks and a whopping six quarterback hits, one of which caused Ryan to throw an interception. Against an injury-riddled Colts offensive line, Browning – who played primarily as an inside linebacker at Ohio State but was moved to edge rusher by the Broncos this offseason – consistently blew by his opponents, particularly when he was matched up with Colts right tackle Matt Pryor.
Baron Browning clips vs. Indianapolis Colts
— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) October 9, 2022
-Browning won in nearly every way imaginable against some weaker OT's
-Browning/Chubb loop was run repeatedly on 3rd downs to great success
-Spins, ghosts, speed to power, the hand swipes, and some of the best snap jumps of the year pic.twitter.com/QZwVxAHqZX
According to Pro Football Focus, Browning pressured the quarterback on 10 of his 20 pass-rushing snaps and beat his blocker on 12 of his 20 pass-rushing snaps, good for a 50% pressure rate and 60% win rate that both rank as the best figures PFF has ever recorded for an NFL player who had at least 20 pass-rushing snaps in an NFL game.
Baron Browning had 10 pressures on just 20 pass-rushing snaps vs the Colts.
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) October 7, 2022
His 50% pressure rate and 60.0% win rate are both the best in a single game in the PFF era (2006-present)
(min. 20 PRSH snaps) pic.twitter.com/22cxcNQp2z
Browning also made a tackle for loss against the run when he buried Colts running back Phillip Lindsay in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.
That was Browning’s final play in the game, as he injured his wrist on the tackle. After the game, he told NFL Network’s James Palmer that he was fine, and Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said Friday that Browning is “day-to-day” with a wrist sprain.
Hooker helps seal win with pick
After an injury-plagued start to his NFL career with the Colts, former Ohio State safety Malik Hooker has been playing some of his best football as a pro this season with the Dallas Cowboys, which continued in their 22-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
With his team already up 12 and less than four minutes to play, Hooker sealed a victory with his first interception of the season.
Malik Hooker comes up with the huge INT for the @DallasCowboys
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022
: #DALvsLAR on FOX
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/dCuo7DIlNd pic.twitter.com/J6Jh14Nakq
Hooker received his highest Pro Football Focus grade of the season for his play in the Cowboys’ win and now has the third-highest PFF grade (80.4) in the NFL this season among safeties who have played at least 200 snaps.
Bell’s third INT in two weeks
After recording only two interceptions in his first 96 regular-season games as an NFL player, Vonn Bell has now recorded three interceptions in his last two games.
One week after earning our Pro Buck of the Week award with two interceptions in the Cincinnati Bengals’ win over the Miami Dolphins, Bell made another one in the Bengals’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.
BIG interception for the @Bengals! @Vonn was all over this one.
— NFL (@NFL) October 10, 2022
: #CINvsBAL on NBC
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Izvnl1kmB4 pic.twitter.com/GN2rcyd3hL
Bell also recorded seven tackles for the Bengals in the loss.
Vonn Bell third down stop! #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/AHhzBDAiPy
— Pro Football Culture (@proftblculture) October 10, 2022
He was on the wrong end, though, of a truck stick by former Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins.
Dobbins, who had eight carries for 44 yards for the game, also ran through former Ohio State teammate Sam Hubbard on a 12-yard rush.
"That should've been a loss of 3 ... instead, it's gonna be a first down." @Jkdobbins22 won't be stopped
— NFL (@NFL) October 10, 2022
: #CINvsBAL on NBC
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Izvnl1kmB4 pic.twitter.com/KSaRm4J0ej
Banged-up Buckeyes
While numerous notable players on the current Ohio State football team have dealt with injuries during the first half of the 2022 season, the same was true for many of Ohio State’s former stars during Week 5 in the NFL.
Chris Olave scored the lone touchdown of the week among NFL Buckeyes when he caught his second touchdown pass in as many weeks for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but he suffered a concussion on the same play when his head hit the turf in the process of making the 16-yard catch.
The way Chris Olave's head bounced off the ground was brutal and he still somehow held on for the TD. pic.twitter.com/vnL1161gBO
— @ (@FTBeard7) October 9, 2022
Two weeks after his older brother Joey suffered a groin injury that is expected to sideline him for 8-10 weeks, Nick Bosa suffered a groin injury of his own in the San Francisco 49ers’ win over the Carolina Panthers. The younger Bosa’s injury was described after the game as groin tightness, but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Bosa “wasn’t feeling great” and he wouldn’t have been able to practice if the 49ers had practiced Monday.
Denzel Ward left the Cleveland Browns’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers with a concussion, while fellow former Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore left the Saints’ win over the Seattle Seahawks with an abdominal injury. Jeff Okudah also missed part of the Detroit Lions’ 29-0 loss to the New England Patriots with an undisclosed injury, though he was ultimately able to return to the game.
The Rams placed Jordan Fuller on injured reserve last week due to a hamstring injury, which means he will be sidelined for at least three more weeks. Jake McQuaide, who had never missed a game in his NFL career until this week, was placed on injured reserve by the Cowboys last week with a torn triceps, which is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Other former Buckeyes who were inactive in Week 5 due to injuries included Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, who has missed two straight games with a foot injury. Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis was sidelined by a concussion, while Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper missed his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury.
Fields has best game of year
For the first time in five games this season, Justin Fields topped 200 passing yards for the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The second-year NFL quarterback from Ohio State completed 15 of 21 passing attempts for 208 yards and a touchdown while also running the ball eight times for 47 yards in the Bears’ 29-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
After a rough start to his sophomore season, Fields’ completion percentage (71.4), yards per passing attempt (9.9) and passer rating (118.8) were all his best so far in 2022. He led the Bears back from a 21-3 deficit to take a 22-21 fourth-quarter lead before they ultimately lost as he completed 12 of his 13 second-half passing attempts for 135 yards and a touchdown.
He also ran for what would have been a 53-yard touchdown if not for an illegal block in the back penalty against Bears wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
it didn't count thanks to a block in the back, but hoooooo buddddy this Justin Fields run was pic.twitter.com/G7Rn0xaeej
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) October 9, 2022
Quick hits
- Raekwon McMillan made his biggest play so far as a Patriot when he blew up a 4th-and-1 run in the backfield for a tackle for loss and a turnover on downs.
Hard To Imagine Life Without It ! pic.twitter.com/le00xee68C
— Raekwon McMillan (@Kwon_daTRUTH) October 10, 2022
- Ward also made a fourth-down stop with a first-quarter breakup on a pass intended for Mike Williams on 4th-and-2. However, Williams would go on to catch 10 passes for 134 yards, and three of those catches for 75 yards came against Ward, according to PFF.
@denzelward
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 9, 2022
: #LACvsCLE on CBS
: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/8UG2Kg6Q1D
- Jerome Baker recorded his first solo sack of the season in the Miami Dolphins’ loss to the New York Jets.
.@Lastname_Baker with the SACK
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 9, 2022
: Watch #MIAvsNYJ on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/ysNy0Qw4nx
- Pete Werner recorded his second forced fumble of the year, which set up the touchdown pass to his former Ohio State teammate Olave. Werner also remains the league leader in solo tackles with 37 this season.
FUMBLE!
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 9, 2022
Werner knocks the ball out from Metcalf, and Onyemata recovers it - SAINTS BALL! #SEAvsNO : FOX pic.twitter.com/niz92iBmxY
- Billy Price was active for his first game with the Arizona Cardinals after he was signed by the team last Tuesday, but he did not play any snaps.
Full stats for every Buckeye who played in Week 5 of the NFL season and for the season as a whole to date, as compiled by Eleven Warriors’ Matt Gutridge, can be found below.
| PLAYER | POSITION | TEAM | WEEK 5 STATS | SEASON STATS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELI APPLE | CB | BENGALS | 3 tackles | 13 tackles, 1 PBU |
| JEROME BAKER | LB | DOLPHINS | 4 tackles, 1 sack (6 yards), 1 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 PBU | 32 tackles, 1.5 sack (6.5 yards), 2 TFL, 2 QB hit, 2 PBU |
| VONN BELL | S | BENGALS | 7 tackles, 1 INT, 1 PBU | 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 QB hit, 3 INT, 4 PBU, 1 FF |
| JOEY BOSA | DE | CHARGERS | Injured reserve (groin) | 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks (12.5 yards), 2 TFL, 4 QB hits, 1 FF |
| NICK BOSA | DE | 49ERS | 1 tackle | 15 tackles, 6 sacks (41 yards), 6 TFL, 16 QB hits |
| NOAH BROWN | WR | COWBOYS | 1 catch, 5 yards | 19 catches, 279 yards, 1 TD |
| BARON BROWNING | OLB | BRONCOS | 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks (13.5 yards), 2 TFL, 6 QB hits | 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks (13.5 yards), 3 TFL, 6 QB hits |
| PARRIS CAMPBELL | WR | COLTS | 2 catches, 22 yards | 11 catches, 112 yards |
| JONATHON COOPER | OLB | BRONCOS | Inactive | 1 tackle |
| WYATT DAVIS | OG | SAINTS | Played at OG | 1 game played |
| TAYLOR DECKER | OT | LIONS | Started at LT | 5 starts at LT |
| J.K. DOBBINS | RB | RAVENS | 8 carries, 44 yards | 28 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD; 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD |
| PAT ELFLEIN | C | PANTHERS | Started at C | 5 starts at C |
| EZEKIEL ELLIOTT | RB | COWBOYS | 22 carries, 78 yards | 81 carries, 305 yards; 5 catches, 27 yards |
| LUKE FARRELL | TE | JAGUARS | Played at TE | 5 games played |
| JUSTIN FIELDS | QB | BEARS | 15/21 passing, 208 yards, 1 TD; 8 carries, 47 yards | 49/88 passing, 679 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT; 42 carries, 194 yards, 1 TD |
| JORDAN FULLER | S | RAMS | Injured reserve (hamstring) | 10 tackles, 1 FF |
| DaVON HAMILTON | DT | JAGUARS | 2 tackles, 1 QB hit | 10 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit |
| JOHNATHAN HANKINS | DT | RAIDERS | Inactive | 8 tackles, 1 QB hit, 1 PBU |
| MALIK HARRISON | LB | RAVENS | 4 tackles | 12 tackles |
| CAMERON HEYWARD | DT | STEELERS | 5 tackles, 1 PBU, 1 FF | 22 tackles, 1 sack (5 yards), 2 TFL, 3 QB hits, 2 PBU, 1 FF, 1 FR |
| MALIK HOOKER | S | COWBOYS | 2 tackles, 1 INT, 1 PBU | 22 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 PBU |
| SAM HUBBARD | DE | BENGALS | 4 tackles | 14 tackles, 1 sack (5 yards), 4 TFL, 8 QB hits, 1 PBU |
| JONAH JACKSON | OG | LIONS | Started at LG | 2 starts at G |
| CAMERON JOHNSTON | P | TEXANS | 6 punts, 48.8 average, 3 inside 20 | 26 punts, 49.1 average, 14 inside 20 |
| DRE’MONT JONES | DE | BRONCOS | 1 tackle, 0.5 sack (9 yards) | 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks (23 yards), 3 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 FF |
| JAMARCO JONES | OG | TITANS | Injured reserve (triceps) | Has not played |
| MICHAEL JORDAN | OG | PANTHERS | Played on special teams | 5 games played |
| MARSHON LATTIMORE | CB | SAINTS | 1 PBU | 15 tackles, 2 PBU |
| TYQUAN LEWIS | DE | COLTS | Inactive | 6 tackles, 1 QB hit, 1 PBU |
| COREY LINSLEY | C | CHARGERS | Started at C | 4 starts at C |
| LIAM McCULLOUGH | LS | FALCONS | Played at LS | 5 games played |
| TERRY McLAURIN | WR | COMMANDERS | 5 catches, 76 yards | 19 catches, 326 yards, 1 TD; 1 rush, 7 yards |
| RAEKWON McMILLAN | LB | PATRIOTS | 3 tackles, 1 TFL | 8 tackles, 1 TFL |
| JAKE McQUAIDE | LS | COWBOYS | Injured reserve (triceps) | 4 games played |
| THAYER MUNFORD | OT | RAIDERS | Started as 6th OL, played at RT | 2 starts, 5 games played |
| JOSH MYERS | C | PACKERS | Started at C | 5 starts at C |
| ANDREW NORWELL | OG | COMMANDERS | Started at LG | 5 starts at LG |
| JEFF OKUDAH | CB | LIONS | 1 tackle | 24 tackles, 3 PBU |
| CHRIS OLAVE | WR | SAINTS | 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD | 25 catches, 389 yards, 2 TD; 2-point conversion |
| NICHOLAS PETIT-FRERE | OT | TITANS | Started at RT | 5 starts at RT |
| BILLY PRICE | OL | CARDINALS | Did not play | Has not played |
| BRADLEY ROBY | CB | SAINTS | 1 tackle | 17 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 FR |
| JEREMY RUCKERT | TE | JETS | Played at TE | 4 games played |
| CURTIS SAMUEL | WR | COMMANDERS | 6 catches, 62 yards | 32 catches, 281 yards, 2 TD; 5 carries, 38 yards |
| TREY SERMON | RB | EAGLES | Played at RB | 2 carries, 19 yards |
| MICHAEL THOMAS | WR | SAINTS | Inactive | 16 catches, 171 yards, 3 TD |
| TOMMY TOGIAI | DT | BROWNS | 1 tackle | 3 tackles, 0.5 sack (4.5 yards), 1 QB hit |
| NICK VANNETT | TE | SAINTS | Inactive | 1 catch, 5 yards |
| SHAUN WADE | CB | PATRIOTS | Inactive | Has not played |
| DENZEL WARD | CB | BROWNS | 10 tackles, 1 PBU | 20 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 5 PBU, 1 FR, 1 TD |
| PETE WERNER | LB | SAINTS | 7 tackles, 1 FF | 48 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 PBU, 2 FF |
| GARRETT WILSON | WR | JETS | 3 catches, 27 yards | 23 catches, 282 yards, 2 TD; 1 rush, -2 yards |
