If The Cleveland Browns are looking to make it back into the NFL Playoffs this coming season, a few things need to happen. Arguably the most important two things would be the play of QB1 Deshaun Watson, and Cleveland’s new Dc Jim Schwartz’s plan. Watson has looked sharp all offseason so far and there is belief from players and management in Cleveland that their QB1 will be ready to rock. That leaves Jim Schwartz and his plan to get the defense rolling this season.
Schwartz The Saviour?
After very inconsistent performances under former DC Joe Woods, Cleveland made a change this offseason and hired Jim Schwartz. A 57-year-old who has 13 seasons of experience as a coordinator with the Titans and Eagles. Even though it is still early, there is optimism that Schwartz’s new defensive scheme will have an immediate impact.
“We’re going to cut it loose up front with our four-man fronts,” says coach Kevin Stefanski, adding that he hired Schwartz because they share a vision for the unit. “We have some versatility in the back end. We have linebackers that can cover. The bottom line is we’re going to be an attacking front.” as reported by SportsIlustrated.com.
The First challenge for Schartz will be creating more of a pass rush behind Myles Garrett. Garrett has been a dominant force in each of his five years with the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, he has not had much help beside him on that defensive line. Last season Myles had 16 sacks for the Browns. The next highest on the team was Taven Bryan with three. Finding better surrounding players for Garrett was a main point for Cleveland and the addition of Za’Darious Smith is just that.
Reinforcements Have Arived In CLE!
Smith posted double-digit sacks in three of his last four seasons with the Vikings and the Packers. With defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson brought in to push the pocket from the inside. Cleveland’s front has more promise than ever.
“It’s to get Myles help, but it’s also to find guys and unlock guys who can rush the passer,” says Stefanski. “As we all know, affecting that passer is the number-one job of our defensive line, and the more guys you can throw out there, it helps everybody.”
The Cleveland Browns are looking dangerous this season. With a fully rejuvenated Watson and a revamped defense, Cleveland is looking to make some noise around the NFL. It will be very interesting to see how the AFC North ends up this season.
Image Credits: YouTube.com/ClevelandBrowns.