The general consensus among Browns fans, Cleveland’s defense was the best in the league in 2023. In some categories, it was. Those who disagree with this ranking will point out the loss to the Texans in the playoff game as an example that it wasn’t. There are a few notable exceptions to this thinking. Yes, the defense was burned in the first half, but the starting safeties for the Browns were D’Anthony Bell and Ronnie Hickman. Even though the Browns couldn’t stop the Texans, at halftime it was still a ten-point game. Houston got the ball first in the second half and the defense held. The Browns were driving with their first second half possession and then QB Joe Flacco started to throw pick sixes. Two in fifteen seconds. Game over.
During OTA’s, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz took full responsibility for the wildcard game, saying they made serious mistakes. However, they adjusted at halftime and if not for the offensive mistakes that followed, you never know what could have happened. So, were they really that good? In some ways they were. The Browns defense was top five in forcing the other team to punt and number one in three-and-outs by the opposing team. They rarely let the opposing team into the red zone. Schwartz wants to build on these defensive traits and used a baseball analogy. A great pitcher can have a fantastic fastball, but he’ll need an out-pitch, i.e. curveball, slider or changeup to be a truly great pitcher. The out-pitch Schwartz is referring to is getting better at other areas.
The Browns were the worst redzone defense in the NFL. They allowed a staggering 71% scoring rate when the opponent got inside the twenty. They also were bottom five against the run. The most notable discrepancy is how the defense performed at home versus on the road. They allowed fourteen points at home and 29 points on the road. A lot of those road points allowed were because the Browns quarterbacks kept throwing touchdown passes to the other team. But still, their road performances were lacking to say the least. How do they fix this?
First of all, bringing back veteran players will help. They learned the system for the first-time last year and now have a better understanding of Schwartz’s plan. The defensive line as it’s currently constructed, has versability. Za’Darius Smith, Quinton Jefferson, Alex Wright and Michael Hall can all play both defensive end and defensive tackle. Both Jefferson and Hall have high pass rush win rates for tackles. Also, the linebackers have gotten faster with the additions of Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush. Hicks played for Schwartz in Philidelphia, so he already knows the defense. Because the defense has three very good press-coverage corners (Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson & Greg Newsome) Schwartz may mix in more zone coverages to confuse the opposing offense. The key again this year will be how well the safeties play. Schwartz loves to play three safeties and Juan Thornhill, Grant Delpit and Rodney McLeod will have to stay healthy. If the Browns are smart, and they are, I would have Adrian Phillips, Tashaun Gipson, Keanu Neal and Adrian Amos on speed dial. I’m looking forward to 2024 to see if the defense truly improves. Saty safe and GO Browns.