DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Jim Schwartz and the Defense

j/c

For years/decades, I've preached about the importance of culture and identity in regards to a team playing well in the NFL. One of my first long-winded op-eds was back around the days when Jamaal Lewis torched CLE for 500+ yards in one season. BAL had an identity in those days: Adequate/efficient O, suffocating D. It was a formula that allowed the Ravens to actually win The Tournament with a QB like Trent Dilfer.

Now, granted- the game has changed from those days, but this thing we're seeing now in 2023 looks to be the modern-day equivalent of that team, no matter what QB we place behind C.

This D dictates game flow. They punch opposing O's in the mouth early, forcing them to play against type... making them more vulnerable as the game progresses.


Jim Schwartz has brought a culture of aggression, efficiency and excellence to this team's Defense. They now have a persona: the nastiest, most efficient D in the league. If CLE wishes to establish new culture, they can take their marching orders from Schwartz's approach.

Schwartz's 2023 defense might just be the squad/coach/game day performance ethic to turn around this perpetually moribund team.
Badassery can be contagious.

This team has an opportunity to totally change its identity. And they can do it this season.
If CLE can get its O to play half as efficient as its D, playoffs are almost a lock. With a D like this, CLE can contend for at least 2-3 years.

Elves have been portrayed as puss pretenders since 1999. This could/should be the year they finally put that narrative to rest.

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A squad like this D is the kind of element a team needs to establish its place. They have what it takes to tilt any current/pending game, and they look strong enough to dominate for another 2-3 years. If you wanna build upon something, this should be your starting place.

Browns are AFCN.
No domes in our division.
Build a D that can travel, and you have a shot, every year.

Beat PIT, CIN and BAL, and the jewelry is yours to take.


This team has a prime shot to do what I've been clamoring for over almost 2.5 decades: make a statement, find a persona, and use that to create a culture of badazz winnage.


Can't wait to see if they can actually turn it around this time.
Schwartz may just be the key.


.02,
Clem.

this is the avenue for us to make the playoffs .. the offense must become more consistent and limit mistakes

the coaching staff and players must buy into the notion that this is a defensive team (even when Watson returns)