Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp

After a 2024 season that saw the Cleveland Browns’ defense struggle to maintain consistency—especially following key injuries—the team’s camp this offseason is focused on a critical goal: reviving the defensive prowess that once made them a feared unit in the AFC North. Once a top-10 defense in 2022, the Browns slipped to 22nd in total defense last year, with lapses in run stopping, pass rush efficiency, and late-game coverage plaguing their efforts. But with key players returning from injury, targeted offseason additions, and a renewed focus on scheme cohesion, there’s a clear sense in camp that the defense is poised to bounce back. Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp explores the root causes of last year’s struggles, the return of impact players, key offseason moves to strengthen the unit, coaching adjustments, and why a defensive revival is essential for the Browns’ playoff hopes.

Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp opens with a look at the 2024 defensive struggles that highlighted the need for revival. The Browns’ defense took a sharp turn downward after defensive tackle Maliek Collins suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8. Before the injury, they ranked 12th in run defense (allowing 105.2 yards per game) and 10th in sacks (21); post-injury, those numbers collapsed to 28th in run defense (142.6 yards per game) and 22nd in sacks (15). The loss of Collins created a gap in the interior line that backups couldn’t fill—opposing teams exploited this with frequent run plays up the middle, and quarterbacks had more time to throw as double teams shifted to Myles Garrett. Additionally, late-game coverage lapses cost the Browns five games decided by seven points or fewer, with opposing receivers hauling in 68% of deep passes in the final 10 minutes (far above the NFL average of 45%). “Last year was a wake-up call,” said defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “We had talent, but injuries and inconsistent execution derailed us. This offseason, we’re fixing both.”

Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp delves into the return of key players who are expected to anchor the revival—starting with Collins and a healthy secondary. Collins, who re-signed with the Browns in free agency, is fully recovered from his knee injury and has looked dominant in early camp drills, consistently beating interior linemen in one-on-one drills. His presence will not only shore up run defense but also free up Garrett, who saw his sack total drop from 8 (first 8 weeks) to 4 (final 8 weeks) last year without Collins drawing double teams. The secondary, which struggled with injuries in 2024, also gets a boost: cornerback Denzel Ward (who missed six games with a hamstring injury) and safety Grant Delpit (out four games with an ankle issue) are back at full strength. “Having Maliek, Denzel, and Grant healthy changes everything,” Garrett said after a recent camp practice. “We’re not just filling spots—we’re putting our best playmakers back on the field. That’s the foundation of a good defense.”

Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp covers the Browns’ offseason moves to add depth and address weak spots in the defense—key steps in reigniting their prowess. The team used their first-round draft pick on defensive end Jalen Carter, a versatile pass rusher who can line up alongside Garrett or shift to tackle in passing situations, giving Schwartz more flexibility to pressure quarterbacks. In free agency, they signed veteran linebacker Lavonte David, a 12-year NFL vet known for his run-stopping ability and leadership, to shore up the middle of the defense. David, who recorded 102 tackles and 3 sacks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year, has already become a vocal presence in camp, leading film sessions and mentoring young linebackers like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. “Adding Jalen and Lavonte wasn’t just about talent—they bring experience and a winning mindset,” said general manager Andrew Berry. For the Cleveland Browns, these moves address the depth issues that exposed them last year, ensuring that injuries no longer derail the entire defensive unit.

Another layer of Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp is the coaching adjustments Schwartz is implementing in camp to fix last year’s scheme flaws. After analyzing film of 2024’s losses, Schwartz has revised the defense to focus on two key areas: reducing late-game coverage lapses and improving run defense discipline. To address coverage, he’s added more zone-coverage packages for the fourth quarter, rotating defensive backs to prevent fatigue and limiting deep routes by opposing receivers. For run defense, he’s emphasizing gap control in drills, teaching linemen to stay in their lanes instead of overcommitting— a mistake that led to big rushing plays last year. Schwartz has also increased the use of “tandem rushes” in camp, lining Garrett and Carter up on the same side to create mismatches for offensive lines. “Scheme only works if everyone executes,” Schwartz said during a camp press conference. “This year, we’re simplifying some things to reduce confusion and letting our talent play fast.” For the Cleveland Browns, these adjustments are critical—they turn last year’s mistakes into teachable moments and give the defense a clear path to improvement.

Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp explores how a revived defense will impact the Browns’ overall competitiveness and playoff chances. In the tough AFC North—where the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals boast high-powered offenses—a strong defense is essential to competing for a division title. A revived run defense will help the Browns slow down Ravens running back Lamar Jackson and Bengals back Joe Mixon, while an improved pass rush can pressure quarterbacks like Jackson and Joe Burrow into mistakes. Additionally, a more consistent defense will take pressure off the offense, allowing the Browns to win low-scoring games instead of relying on big plays. “Last year, when our defense struggled, the offense had to score 30 points to win,” said quarterback Deshaun Watson. “If we can get back to a defense that holds teams to 20 or fewer, we’ll be in every game.” For the Cleveland Browns, the stakes are high: a defensive revival could turn them from a middle-of-the-pack team into a playoff contender, validating the front office’s offseason moves and restoring confidence in the fan base.

Defensive Prowess Awaits Revival in the Cleveland Browns Camp closes with a sense of optimism from camp—one that suggests the defense is on track to reclaim its former glory. Early practice reports highlight a unit playing with energy and focus: Collins is disrupting run plays, Garrett and Carter are generating consistent pressure, and the secondary is making interceptions in team drills. Players and coaches alike speak of a “chip on their shoulder” from last year’s struggles, using that frustration as motivation to improve. “We know what we’re capable of,” Delpit said. “Last year was an anomaly, not the standard. This camp, we’re getting back to being the defense we know we can be.” For the Cleveland Browns, the revival of defensive prowess isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. With a healthy core, smart offseason additions, and targeted coaching adjustments, the pieces are in place to turn last year’s disappointment into this year’s success. And if the defense delivers, the Browns could once again become a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.