Cleveland Browns: 5 wildly bold predictions for the 2021 season

Cleveland Browns Bold Prediction No. 4: The defense leads in the NFL in turnovers

The 2020 Cleveland Browns defense was bad. There’s no way to put that politely, as time and time again the defensive unit found themselves out of position, being beat with speed or strength.

While the 2021 defense has yet to all see the field at the same time, the glimpses seen during the preseason camp and games show that this unit will be among the most improved in all of football. That’s why they will lead the entire NFL in forced turnovers.

Defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ defensive scheme requires an abundance of athletic defensive backs. In 2020, the defensive backfield was littered with injuries, with cornerback Denzel Ward missing time at one point, as well as cornerback Greedy Williams and rookie safety Grant Delpit both missing the entire season due to injuries. This offseason, however, the team signed safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill, both players who played in Woods’ scheme with the Los Angeles Rams.

The additions of Johnson III and Hill, as well as defensive end Jadeveon Clowney upfront, turns this defense from a pretender into a legit force each and every game. Add that to the rookies that will likely make an impact at some point this season, and the Browns defense should finally measure up to the offense in terms of skill and potential. When the two are so equally skilled, you’re likely to see a lot of wins as a football team.