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3 bold predictions for the Cleveland Browns 2020 defense

By Greg Newland

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 25: Myles Garrett #95 and Earl Watford #71 of the Cleveland Browns take the field for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bengals 35-20. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 25: Myles Garrett #95 and Earl Watford #71 of the Cleveland Browns take the field for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bengals 35-20. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Myles Garrett #85 of the Cleveland Browns looks over the offense during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Myles Garrett #85 of the Cleveland Browns looks over the offense during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns offense is loaded with talent, but to make a run, the defense will have to step up in 2020.

The Cleveland Browns offense was as dysfunctional as any in the league last season. Poor third-down play calling, red zone turnovers, and dropped passes were the highlight of what was expected to be a breakout year.

Nick Chubb was the lone bright spot in 2019 as he was second in the NFL with 1,494 rushing yards. At times Chubb was the only consistent offense the Browns had, as quarterback Baker Mayfield was far too often high with passes.

While the offense was bad in 2019, the defense was equally as disappointing. The Browns were expected to have a high-end pass rush with Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon coming off the edge, but injuries and suspensions would severely limit that potential.

The Browns defense would finish 22nd overall last season in total defense, but they were gashed for the third-most rushing yards in the league.

Playing the Baltimore Ravens twice per year does not help the rushing defense stat line, but it is more reason the Browns should bolster the front-seven to compete within the division. Lamar Jackson is the most effective running quarterback in the history of the league and looks to be an issue for the Browns for years to come.

Not all the fault goes to the defense. The unfortunate issue of having a bad offense is your defense ends up on the field the whole game and can get worn out. Multiple times the Browns defense would get a momentum turnover, but the Browns offense would go three-and-out and give the ball right back without scoring. Not only did the defense not get any rest, but they also head back to the field feeling deflated.

Additionally, the suspension of Garrett the last six games of the year was a huge hit to the defense. While Garrett deserved the suspension, the pass rush became nonexistent and quarterbacks were given too much time to pick apart the Browns secondary. It doesn’t matter how good the defensive backs are, with time, an NFL quarterback will pick a defense apart.

With Garrett back in full force and a new defensive coordinator, the Browns can bounce back in a big way. Not to mention Kevin Stefanski’s offense should give the defense plenty of rest each game. Here are three bold predictions for the Browns defense next year as they look to make a playoff push.

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