Everyone knows that the Cleveland Browns need to make big upgrades to their offensive line this offseason. The offense, in general, is the focal point of most NFL free agency and NFL draft coverage of the team. With HC Todd Monken reportedly, but not officially, hiring Mike Rutenberg as the team’s new defensive coordinator, that side of the ball can now come back into focus as well.
After Joe Woods’ departure, the Browns defense took a huge step up under former DC Jim Schwartz. Schwartz’s system was
not complicated (man coverage, few blitzes), but the foundation was solid. Based on his history and Monken’s previous comments, Rutenberg is likely to retain most of Schwartz’s system, but Cleveland fans could see one major change: Blitzes!
The data shows that Rutenberg was a part of an Atlanta Falcons defense that blitzed heavily:
Under Schwartz’s defense, the Browns plan was for DE Myles Garrett and the line to get most of the pressure while the coverage stayed tight for as long as possible. With more blitzes, there will be fewer players in coverage, but less time for the quarterback to throw and more chances for runs to be stopped behind the line of scrimmage.
More blitzes should also free up Garrett to see more single and double-teams instead of double and triple-blocking. Blitzing does present more risk for defenses but also increases the reward possibilities, especially with man corners like Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell.
Last year, the Falcons ranked 12th overall in defensive DVOA but did not have the overall talent that Rutenberg will have to work with in Cleveland, who ranked eighth in the same metric last season.
How do you feel about more blitzing from the Browns defense this year? Do you like the higher risk, higher reward style?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
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