Defensive Prowess Sets Tone for Rebuild of the Cleveland Browns

As the Cleveland Browns embark on a critical rebuild aimed at long-term NFL success, one area has emerged as the foundation of their strategy: defensive prowess. Unlike past rebuilds that focused on flashy offensive signings or quarterback overhauls, the Browns’ current plan centers on building a dominant, sustainable defense—one that can keep games close, create turnovers, and mask offensive inconsistencies during the transition period. Led by established stars and emerging young talent, the defense has already shown flashes of elite potential, giving fans and analysts reason to believe it can anchor the team through the rebuild’s growing pains. Defensive Prowess Sets Tone for Rebuild of the Cleveland Browns explores how the defense is shaping the rebuild, the key players driving its success, and why this focus on defense could be the blueprint for a championship-contending team.

The Browns’ decision to prioritize defense in their rebuild stems from a clear lesson from NFL history: teams with elite defenses often contend for titles even with developing offenses. Look no further than the 2023 Baltimore Ravens or 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers—both won division titles (or Super Bowls) thanks to defenses that ranked among the league’s top five in points allowed. For the Browns, this logic is especially relevant: their offense is in flux, with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders learning the ropes and a young receiving corps still finding its rhythm. A strong defense can limit opponents’ scoring, giving the offense time to grow without the pressure of needing to win shootouts. Early in the 2024 season, this strategy has paid dividends: the Browns rank 10th in the NFL in points allowed (20.1 per game) and 8th in turnovers forced (15), despite the offense ranking 22nd in points scored. “Our defense is the backbone of this team right now,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry in a recent press conference. “They set the tone every Sunday, and they give us a chance to win even when the offense isn’t clicking.” Key to this success has been the defense’s ability to perform in high-pressure moments—like a Week 9 stop on fourth-and-1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers that preserved a one-point win. Defensive Prowess Sets Tone for Rebuild of the Cleveland Browns notes that this clutch performance isn’t a fluke; it’s the result of intentional roster building focused on size, speed, and football IQ in the defensive unit.

At the heart of the Browns’ defensive prowess are a mix of veteran leaders and breakout young players who complement each other perfectly. Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Garrett, the face of the defense, continues to be a dominant force: he’s on pace for 14 sacks this season, and his ability to draw double teams opens up opportunities for teammates. But Garrett isn’t alone—safety Grant Delpit has emerged as a ballhawk in the secondary, recording four interceptions and two forced fumbles, while second-year linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has become a Swiss Army knife, excelling in run defense, pass coverage, and blitzing. Even rookies are making an impact: defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, a third-round pick, has stepped into a starting role after Maliek Collins’ injury, recording 28 tackles and two sacks. What makes this group special is their chemistry—veterans like Garrett and Delpit have taken young players under their wings, teaching them NFL nuances and holding them to high standards. “Myles doesn’t just lead with his play—he leads with his work ethic,” Togiai said in an interview. “He’s in the film room every morning, and he’ll pull me aside to go over plays. That’s how we’re building something sustainable.” Defensive Prowess Sets Tone for Rebuild of the Cleveland Browns emphasizes that this blend of experience and youth is rare in a rebuild, giving the Browns a head start on creating a cohesive defensive unit.

For the Cleveland Browns, the defense’s success has also shaped their approach to roster building in the draft and free agency. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Browns used three of their first five picks on defensive players—Togiai, cornerback Ronnie Hickman, and edge rusher Mohamoud Diabate—all chosen to fill specific needs and fit the defense’s aggressive scheme. In free agency, they focused on low-risk, high-reward signings like veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris, who brings playoff experience without a long-term, cap-heavy contract. This strategy ensures the defense remains competitive now while leaving room to add offensive talent later, when the rebuild shifts to balancing both sides of the ball. “We’re not ignoring the offense—we’re building the defense first, so when we do invest in the offense, we’ll have a complete team,” Berry explained. For the Cleveland Browns, this approach also helps with fan engagement: even as the offense finds its footing, the defense provides excitement—like Garrett’s Week 7 strip-sack that led to a game-winning touchdown—and keeps fans invested in the rebuild. Season-ticket renewal rates are up 12% from last year, with many fans citing the defense as a key reason they’re sticking with the team. Defensive Prowess Sets Tone for Rebuild of the Cleveland Browns notes that this fan support is critical, as it gives the front office patience to execute the rebuild without short-term pressure.

The Cleveland Browns’ defensive coaching staff has also played a pivotal role in translating talent into on-field success, using a scheme that maximizes each player’s strengths. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, known for his aggressive, attacking style, has designed a system that lets Garrett and other edge rushers thrive while keeping the secondary disciplined. Schwartz uses a mix of blitzes and zone coverage to confuse quarterbacks, and he’s not afraid to let young players make mistakes—as long as they learn from them. For example, when rookie cornerback Hickman gave up a touchdown in Week 5, Schwartz sat down with him after the game to break down the play, then gave him the start the next week. Hickman responded with an interception, showing how Schwartz’s approach builds confidence. “Coach Schwartz doesn’t baby us—he challenges us,” Hickman said. “That’s how we get better fast.” For the Cleveland Browns, this coaching stability is another key to the rebuild: unlike past regimes that changed defensive schemes every year, Schwartz’s system has stayed consistent, allowing players to master it and grow together. This continuity has also helped with player retention—Delpit signed a four-year extension in the offseason, citing his trust in Schwartz and the defense’s direction. Defensive Prowess Sets Tone for Rebuild of the Cleveland Browns explores how Schwartz’s leadership has turned a talented group of players into a cohesive unit that plays with purpose.

Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns’ defensive prowess is poised to become even more dominant as young players develop and the front office adds complementary pieces. The team has already identified cornerback and defensive tackle as priorities in the 2025 NFL Draft, with plans to add depth that can keep the defense strong even when starters are injured. If they can land a top-tier cornerback to pair with Denzel Ward, the secondary could become one of the league’s best, while another pass-rushing threat opposite Garrett would make the defensive line nearly unblockable. For the Cleveland Browns, the end goal is clear: a defense that ranks in the top five league-wide for multiple seasons, providing a foundation for the offense to catch up. “We want this defense to be feared,” Garrett said. “We want teams to know that when they play the Browns, they’re going to have to earn every point.” As the rebuild progresses, the defense will also serve as a selling point for free agents—top offensive players will be more likely to sign with the Browns if they know they’ll be playing with a dominant defense that can help them win. Defensive Prowess Sets Tone for Rebuild of the Cleveland Browns concludes that while rebuilds are never easy, the Browns’ focus on defense has given them a clear, sustainable path to success—one that could turn them from a rebuilding team into a perennial playoff contender sooner than anyone expects.