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Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard lead Browns line that's strength of defense

The Cleveland Browns defensive line is starting to pile up the sacks.

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Cleveland Browns defensive line has come together in recent weeks and is starting to rack up the sacks. The Browns already have 33 sacks this season, two more than they totaled in 2011. The Browns recorded five sacks in their 30-7 win over the Chiefs and have 14 sacks in the last four weeks.

Five weeks ago defensive tackle Phil Taylor returned to the lineup after undergoing pectoral surgery and a week later Ahtyba Rubin returned from a calf injury. Juqua Parker leads the team with five sacks, while Frostee Rucker and Jabaal Sheard are tied for second with four sacks each.

As to why the Browns defense is doing better this year as compared to last, Sheard credited Taylor and himself having an extra year in the system to learn the scheme.

The Browns record for sacks in the expansion era is 43, set in 2000 and equaled in 2001.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.