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5 reasons the Cleveland Browns won’t be awful in 2016

By Giovanni Castelli

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns fans including Pumpkinhead during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns fans including Pumpkinhead during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 26, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton watches his defense during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton watches his defense during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports /

Going into the 2015 season the Browns defense was projected to be a top-10 unit in the NFL. But injuries and a lack of a defensive identity hurt the team all season long. Former defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil seemed clueless in how to use the personnel assembled as he had pass-rushers dropping back in coverage and linebackers guessing their assignments based on the movement of the front four.

Needless to say, the defense became a liability and hurt the team throughout the season, becoming one of the worst units in the NFL, especially against the run where they finished 30th in yards per game (128.4) and 26th in yards per carry (4.5).

Related: Will the defense improve with Ray Horton?

Jackson went out and brought in a familiar name in defensive coordinator Ray Horton to succeed O’Neil and bring an identity to the Dawg Pound. Horton, who frequently states that he likes “big guys who can run and little guys who can hit,” wants to bring an aggressive style of defense back to the lakefront.

Horton comes from the Steelers tree and is a disciple of defensive guru Dick LeBeau. He does not lack a vision or the type of identity he wishes his defense to embody.  Compared to a year ago, Horton brings a blueprint to the table on how he wishes his defense to operate.

Next: Players who love the game

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