![]() ![]() ![]() “I feel that we’ve been showcasing what we’re capable of week in and week out, and we’ve got to continue to stay consistent. “Yeah, that’s our goal, is to be number one, to be that best defense,” cornerback Denzel Ward said Monday. If opponents can reach the endzone, Cleveland still keeps things stingy and has given up the least amount of passing touchdowns, is tied for the third-least given-up rushing touchdowns and is tied for the third-least amount of total touchdowns allowed. The Browns also keep opposing offenses from building a rhythm, giving up the least amount of first downs in the NFL. Under Schwartz, Cleveland has built upon last year’s success and allowed the least passing yards in the NFL and, more importantly, has only allowed 395 rushing yards, which is tied for second-best in the NFL. 1 defense in yards allowed at 200.4 per game, which is 60.4 yards better than the second-place Baltimore Ravens. Heading into their Week 7 matchup in Indianapolis to face the Colts, the Browns have the no. While there are still 12 games left in Cleveland’s season one thing has become incredibly clear: Under Schwartz, the Browns have the best defensive unit in the NFL, a total shift from last season. That thought is in the rearview mirror five games into their season because Schwartz has more than just turned things around for Cleveland’s defense. But, based on the results of last season and the new additions the Browns made during the offseason, it didn’t seem farfetched to think it would take time for Schwartz to turn things around. ![]() With hiring Schwartz, everything was in place for Cleveland to turn their defensive effort around. Schwartz has head coaching experience and a Super Bowl championship, meaning he knew how to win more than anything and wasn’t phased by pressure either. His defenses prioritize pressuring the quarterback, which is helpful in a division with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Schwartz schemes to the strengths of his stars and would also empower Myles Garrett on the field. It seemed like the right call since the fit between Schwartz’s scheme and the Browns’ existing personnel seemed hand in glove. Soon after, the Browns named Jim Schwartz, a personnel scout for Cleveland in the 90s under Bill Belichick, their next defensive coordinator. That frustrating dynamic and consistent mediocrity is why Cleveland relieved Joe Woods of his defensive coordinator responsibilities in early January. But, considering the defense was below average in nearly every facet of the game other than passing, where Cleveland ranked fifth in 2022, the Browns being unable to contain opposing offenses to give their own a chance was always a recipe for failure. Sure, Deshaun Watson not playing at a level worth his near quarter-billion paycheck doesn’t help. Last season, the Cleveland Browns were hamstrung by a mediocre defensive unit despite being loaded with star-studded talent. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz of the Cleveland Browns looks on before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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