Defensive Intensity Training Ramps Up Offseason for the Cleveland Browns

The offseason is a critical window for NFL teams to address weaknesses and build momentum for the upcoming season—and for the Cleveland Browns, this year’s focus has been laser-sharp on boosting defensive intensity. After a 2023 campaign where the defense struggled to maintain consistency—especially in closing out games and stopping the run—Browns coaches and front office staff made a deliberate choice to overhaul their offseason training program. What emerged is a rigorous, intensity-driven regimen designed to sharpen physicality, improve communication, and foster a “never quit” mindset among defensive players. From dawn-to-dusk workout sessions to game-like simulation drills, every aspect of the training is tailored to turn the defense into a dominant force. Defensive Intensity Training Ramps Up Offseason for the Cleveland Browns explores how this program is structured, the impact it’s having on players, and why it could be the key to the Browns’ playoff aspirations next season.

Defensive Intensity Training Ramps Up Offseason for the Cleveland Browns begins with the “why” behind the intensity—fixing 2023’s pain points. Last season, the Browns’ defense ranked 18th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (118.3) and 22nd in fourth-down conversion defense (48.6%), stats that often cost them close games. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz knew a passive approach to the offseason wouldn’t cut it. “We weren’t finishing plays, and we weren’t imposing our will on opponents,” Schwartz said in an offseason press conference. “This training is about changing that—building a defense that’s aggressive, disciplined, and relentless for 60 minutes.” The intensity push targets three key areas: improving tackling precision to limit yards after contact, enhancing gap control to stop the run, and sharpening communication to avoid coverage breakdowns. Every drill, from one-on-one pass-rush battles to full-team scrimmages, is designed to replicate the pressure of game day, ensuring players react with intensity even when fatigued. This focus on addressing specific flaws has made the offseason training feel purposeful, not just punitive.

A centerpiece of the training is position-specific intensity drills—tailoring work to every role. The Browns’ coaching staff hasn’t taken a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, they’ve crafted drills that target the unique demands of each defensive position. Defensive linemen, for example, spend hours on “bull-rush intensity drills,” where they go head-to-head with offensive linemen in 10-second battles to push the pocket—with coaches yelling feedback to keep energy high. Linebackers focus on “pursuit intensity” drills, chasing ball carriers across the field and finishing tackles with extra force, while defensive backs work on “coverage intensity” exercises, where they practice staying glued to receivers even when facing physical jabs at the line. Rookie defensive tackle Tyler Davis, who joined the team this offseason, noted the difference from college training: “Here, every drill has a clock, a winner, and a focus on intensity. You can’t coast—if you do, the coaches let you know, and your teammates hold you accountable. It’s exactly what I need to get ready for the NFL.”

Defensive Intensity Training Ramps Up Offseason for the Cleveland Browns also includes veteran leadership—setting the tone for the Cleveland Browns. For the Cleveland Browns, veteran defensive players have been instrumental in keeping intensity high throughout the offseason. Defensive end Myles Garrett, a five-time Pro Bowler, arrives at the facility an hour early every day to lead voluntary pass-rush workshops, where he shares his signature moves with rookies and younger players. Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., entering his seventh NFL season, organizes post-practice “film sessions with intensity,” where he and his fellow linebackers break down plays from drills, pointing out where they could have been more aggressive. “Veterans have to set the standard,” Garrett said after a recent workout. “If the young guys see me giving 100% on every rep, they’re going to follow. That’s how you build a culture of intensity.” For the Cleveland Browns, this veteran leadership has been invaluable—it ensures the training doesn’t just rely on coaches to drive intensity, but creates a player-led accountability system that will carry over into games.

Another key component of the training is game-like simulation—turning drills into real pressure for the Cleveland Browns. To avoid the “offseason disconnect” where drills feel irrelevant to actual gameplay, the Browns have integrated game-like scenarios into every training session. One of the most intense drills is the “two-minute intensity drill,” where the defense must stop a simulated offense from scoring in the final two minutes of a game—with coaches blaring crowd noise over speakers and players wearing full pads. During a recent session, the defense forced a turnover on downs after Garrett sacked the backup quarterback, sparking a celebration that felt like a game-winning moment. “This drill isn’t just about football—it’s about handling pressure,” Schwartz said. “When the clock is ticking and the crowd is loud, intensity has to be second nature.” For the Cleveland Browns, these simulations are critical: they help players translate the physical work from drills into muscle memory that will kick in during high-stakes moments in the regular season. It also builds confidence, as players see firsthand that their intense training pays off in game-like situations.

Defensive Intensity Training Ramps Up Offseason for the Cleveland Browns also highlights recovery and resilience—sustaining intensity without burnout for the Cleveland Browns. While intensity is the focus, the Browns have also prioritized player health to avoid injuries. The team added two full-time sports therapists to the staff, who lead post-workout recovery sessions including cold plunges, yoga, and foam rolling. They’ve also adjusted practice schedules to include “active recovery days,” where players do light workouts like swimming or walking while focusing on mental preparation—such as visualizing intense game moments. “Intensity doesn’t mean breaking your body,” said head athletic trainer Joe Sheehan. “It means training smart, recovering well, and showing up ready to go every day.” For the Cleveland Browns, this balance between intensity and recovery has kept players fresh and motivated. Rookie cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. noted, “I was worried the intensity would wear me out, but the recovery days help me reset. Now I’m just as fired up for week six of training as I was for week one.”

Defensive Intensity Training Ramps Up Offseason for the Cleveland Browns wraps up with the payoff—what this means for next season. As the offseason training program nears its end, the results are already visible: players are bigger, faster, and more confident, and the defense is showing signs of the intensity coaches hoped to build. During a recent scrimmage, the defense forced four turnovers and held the offense to just 10 points—with every tackle delivered with purpose and every pass rush fueled by aggression. For the Browns, this training isn’t just about improving stats; it’s about building a defensive identity. “We want opponents to know when they play the Browns, they’re in for a fight,” Schwartz said. “This intensity training is how we make that a reality.” For fans, the upgraded defense offers hope of a deep playoff run—something the Browns haven’t achieved since 2020. And for players, the hard work of the offseason has forged a bond: they’ve pushed each other through tough drills, celebrated small wins, and built trust that will be crucial on game days. In the end, the ramped-up defensive intensity training isn’t just a offseason project—it’s the foundation of a Cleveland Browns team ready to compete with the best in the NFL.