The defense of the Cleveland Browns has started the season in the middle of the pack, following a record defensive display in 2023.
After giving up 20 points in the first half of their season-opening defeat to Dallas, Cleveland has only let up 21 points in the following three games.
The squad’s largest test to date is likely this weekend’s game against the high-octane offense of the Washington Commanders, which gives defensive coach Jim Schwartz a chance to help his club find its confidence again.
In his remarks from Thursday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz sent a stern warning to his charges ahead of the next games, according to analyst Dary Ruiter on X.To begin playing, we should not have to take a kick to the teeth, stated Schwartz.Against Jacksonville, the Browns played well in the first half, forcing two straight punts before giving up a field goal despite an extended 11-play, 66-yard drive just before the half ended. Cleveland has looked great in spurts this season, including the second half of the Cowboys contest when the team held the Cowboys to just two field goals.
The Las Vegas Raiders ran for 152 yards last week, a brutal assault on Cleveland’s defense that had only yielded 151 rushing yards in the first three games combined.
Throughout the game, Cleveland was unable to stop the Raiders’ running attack, which saw running back Alexandar Mattison score several lengthy touchdowns and Zamir White (who finished with 17 carries for 50 yards) break through for a 17-yard gain the previous weekend.
