Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's firing by the Browns on Friday was a shocker for the following reasons:
He received a two-year contract extension in June.
At the time, General Manager Phil Savage said, "He's a terrific coach, and I would think he's got a big upside and has the potential to be a head coach in time."
Although the Browns gave up more points (382), total yards (5,753) and touchdown passes (29) than in either of Grantham's two previous seasons, the unit showed significant improvement during the team's run for the playoffs.
In the first 10 games, the defense gave up an average of 29.4 points per game. In the final six, it yielded 14.6.
In the first eight games, the defense recorded seven sacks. In the last eight, it had 21.
In the first nine games, the defense allowed 22 touchdown passes. In the last seven, it allowed seven.
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