Down Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon at defensive end, Chad Thomas needed to step up his game in their absence. And the second-year DE did just that against his hometown team, posting a great game for the Browns against the Miami Dolphins.

Thomas wound up scoring the highest Pro Football Focus grade of any Browns defensive player in the 41-24 home win. In fact, the only EDGE who socred higher in Sunday’s games in Week 12 was Khalil Mack – as in Chicago’s All-Pro Khalil Mack.

The initial grading from PFF credited Thomas with four QB pressures and three tackles. That’s a decent day. Where he thrived was in coverage. Thomas earned a grade over 90 for his effort against screens and the quick passing game.

Thomas’ overall season grade remains mired well below where would be hoped, but a solid game against Miami could be the catalyst he needed to bring more sweet music to the gridiron.