Under DC Joe Woods, Cleveland Browns defensive backs were often out of place and seemed to be in the wrong scheme for their skill set. Whether it is Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome or Martin Emerson Jr., and even players like Greedy Williams before that, GM Andrew Berry seemed to draft press man corners to play in Woods’ zone-oriented scheme.
The hiring of DC Jim Schwartz changed all of that and the defense soared in 2023. While Schwartz’s aggressive nature was taken advantage of in the playoffs, expect a similar version in 2024.