Cleveland Browns: Review Pt. 3 Defense, ST, and More
Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
DEFENSIVE LINE
The old saying in the NFL is that the game is won in the trenches. On offense that’s the ability of the offense to block, push, and move the defensive line to open lanes for running backs and give the QB enough time to find open receivers.
When it comes to the defensive line, their success is based on their ability to fight off the blocks from the opposing offensive line, close the gaps, contain the running backs, and get to the QBs before they have enough time to throw the ball.
For the Cleveland Browns in 2014, and really since 1999, the inability of the defensive line to stop the run and get to the quarterback has consistently left the team’s defense among the worst in the NFL. With so many changes this offseason, did the Browns find the right group of guys to improve the defensive line for 2015?
Danny Shelton
The prize of the 2015 draft. Well, that is most likely the way Coach Pettine sees it. Shelton is a player that the Cleveland Browns have had their eye on for a while in the college ranks. A beast of a run stuffing Nose Tackle out of Washington, the 6’2 339 pound player is the biggest key in the cog of the Cleveland Browns defense.
If they are going to find success in stopping opposing offenses from running wild, it’s going to be because of Shelton. Seen by many teams in this year’s draft as a two down player, Pettine is a firm believer that Shelton has the ability to play all three downs.
He did not blow up the stat sheet in the preseason, but his ability to penetrate the offensive line while taking on multiple linemen was impressive.
That freed up other defenders to remain unguarded and make plays both in the backfield and before teams could make it 10 yards downfield. If Shelton continues to play like he did this preseason, the Browns might have finally turned the corner in their ability to defend against the run.
Randy Starks
Former Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans DT Randy Starks was one of the few free agent acquisitions brought in this offseason. An 11 year veteran entering his 12th NFL season, Starks is a large run stuffing defensive tackle who has also had success getting to the quarterback. With a combined 384 tackles and 41 sacks, Starks is another guy who won’t blow up the stat sheet, but his value will be in pushing the pocket.
Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Randy Starks (94) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
In doing so, Starks will help to contain the run, allow the linebackers to make plays, and rush opposing QBs into making poor decisions or bad throws.
He does get the occasional sack, averaging at least 3-4 sacks per season. With the combination of Starks and Shelton, the Browns D-Line gets a nice new influx of youth and veteran experience in their efforts to improve their defense against the run.
On the other side from Starks, Desmond Bryant returns for his third season with the Cleveland Browns. After some serious health issues ended Bryant’s 2013 season early, Bryant returned in 2014 to play 15 games delivering 50 tackles and 5 sacks. The 50 tackles were a career high for Bryant and the 5 sacks tied his career high.
Needless to say, he had quite a successful year in 2014. The hope for Bryant in 2015 is to continue with the success he’s found in Browns defensive coordinator Jim O’Neill’s defensive scheme.
While we didn’t see a lot from Bryant in the preseason, he’s a player that the Browns will rely on heavily to anchor the left side of the defensive line. With Shelton manning the middle of the line and Starks on the other side, it’ll be Bryant’s job to battle against some of the league’s best day in and day out.
His success in 2015 might be tied to Shelton’s ability to draw multiple blockers. The more guys Shelton can occupy, the more room Bryant and even Starks will have to provide contain defense sideline to sideline. Look for another big season from Bryant, perhaps equaling his tackle totals and increasing his sacks from a year ago if Shelton can do his job.
Armonty Bryant is a pass rushing veteran defensive end who can fill in at DE, DT, and even play some LB in certain sets. His injury last season stunted his growth as a player, and his absence left the Browns shorthanded on pass rushers.
This preseason he once again showed his ability to rush the passer, and even offered some glimpses of being able to stop the run. HC Mike Pettine and DC Jim O’Neil
l will be glad to have Bryant back causing opposing QB’s headaches and have fun with his ability to get through the line and into the backfield.
Next: Key Backups Expected To Do Big Things In 2015