The Cleveland Browns made a return to the playoffs in 2023 thanks in large part to the play of the defense.
Consider that, in the first year under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Cleveland’s defense:
- Led the NFL in third-down percentage at 29.1 percent
- Led the NFL in pass defense by allowing 164.7 passing yards per game
- Led the NFL in net yards per game at 270.2, the fewest yards allowed in the NFL since 2014 and the fewest by a Cleveland defense since 1957
- Helped the team finish with an 8-1 record at home
Fans may love an explosive offensive attack, but there is still much to love about a defense that can exert its will on an opponent.