Applying pressure to the quarterback is a method that all teams want to excel at. In return, the whole defense should play at a higher level. When it comes to the Cleveland Browns this method has seemed to struggle over the last few seasons.
In a recent Pro Football Focus article that ranked the Browns defensive front seven, writer Ben Stockwell explained why he ranked the Browns dead last in this category.
The Browns’ front-seven, as is the case with much of their entire roster, will be very reliant on the development of their 2016 draft class, both in terms of potential upside and immediate impact. This defensive front lacks a star to drive their production against either the run or the pass, with Bryant and Kruger solid role players, but not the ultra-productive guys needed to spark the rest of the group. The battle at outside linebacker could prove to be the spark this defense needs; there is talent and potential production there, with the likes of Nassib (Penn State), Orchard, Mingo, and Ogbah (Oklahoma State). If that competition drives the whole group forward, rather than just finding a winner for playing time at two spots, this could be the production that drives the Browns’ front-seven off the bottom of the league.
This article was created before Desmond Bryant’s season ending injury. If this organization wants their younger defensive secondary to succeed in 2016, then the defensive front needs to apply consistent pressure and sack the quarterback. In football the game is simple: if you make the quarterback uncomfortable, then your defense should make plays.
In my honest opinion, I believe the Browns will increase their defensive front ranking next season if they get more out of their 2015 first-round draft pick Danny Shelton. If you haven’t heard already, Shelton lost several pounds this offseason and looks to be a completely new force on defense.
Fun Fact: The Browns recorded pressure on just 32.3 percent of passing plays in their sub-package defenses, the fifth-worst rate in the NFL last season. (via PFF)
While this “fun fact” is not so much fun but rather humiliating, increasing this percentage will happen if the team gets more out of their younger defensive front players like Shelton, Orchard, Kirksey, and Davis. It seems like the organization has younger talent but just needs the athletes to display it in 2016.
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