It’s easy to conclude that the Browns’ defensive line doesn’t have much experience.
Tackle 
But this foursome has been making its presence known in opposing backfields.
So far, Sheard and Taylor haven’t performed like newcomers to the NFL.
“They understood after the first game that there is a huge difference from preseason to a regular season game and clearly from college to the National Football League,” Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said of Sheard and Taylor. “Hopefully, they grow every week and get a little bit better. They both understand the level they have to play to scratch out a win. It’s hard to win any game in this league and you’ve got to be on it to have a chance. They’re both hard-working guys. We’re happy with where they are, but we’ve just got to keep going.”
Sheard and Taylor got their first taste of victory at the NFL level when the Browns defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 27-19, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Coach Pat Shurmur believes Sheard and Taylor are “doing a nice job” when he watches the tapes from practice and the games.
“I’m looking for improvement,” Shurmur said. “We talk about younger guys making big jumps and I think that’s what you’re seeing with them. Moving Jabaal over to the defensive left, now, we’ll see if he can improve on that, being in his new spot. Phil, those defensive tackles are in there battling every week. The schemes are a little bit different each week. We played the Colts, which was primarily a zone-type scheme. We had a lot of lead plays and power plays against Cincinnati. They’re different styles of games, especially for the inside guys.”
Sheard was moved to left defensive end following the Browns’ season-opening loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 11. He played on the left side during his college days at The University of Pittsburgh and was switched back to the left while Mitchell moved to the right defensive end spot.
“They were excited about it. Jayme and Jabaal both like the switch,” Jauron said. “There was a good deal of thought put into it, but it wasn’t earth-shattering. Jabaal played more on that side in college. Coming out as a rookie, we thought we’d get him away from the tight end most of the time, but he’s more comfortable on that side. Jayme just wants to be on the field. He just loves to play and it worked out well for both of them. We’ll see where it goes.”
Shurmur added about Mitchell, “He’s pretty much played up to my expectations in terms of what he is. I think he’s a very solid player as a defensive end, which is a hard position to play in this league. I think he’s handled it well; he plays equally well on both sides and that’s why we were able to make the switch with Jabaal.”
