In his first public comments since it occurred back on Jan. 13, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said his guys were pressing — and so was he — in the shocking 45-14 blowout loss to the host Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card playoffs.

That was, as he explained, why the defense played so poorly.

I like Schwartz. I like him a lot. I really, truly do. I think he’s an outstanding coordinator – one of the best in the NFL – and that he did a tremendous job last year in his return to Cleveland after 30 years.

But with all due respect to him, and to who he is and what he is, I don’t believe for a minute any of what he said.

It was clear to me — and I would venture to guess that it was probably clear to a lot of you as well — that the defense was not prepared emotionally, physically or mentally for that game. The players looked confused and lethargic. The bounce and aggressiveness — in a precise and calculated manner — that they had carried all season was not there. Schwartz was outcoached and out-schemed, and his players were outplayed. The defense was the reason why the Browns got run off the field. 

The Browns beat the Texans by two touchdowns two weeks earlier on the same field, and it was that close only because the Browns took their foot off the gas pedal after blowing out to a big lead, and they thought they could just go down there and show up and win again in big fashion. Somebody forgot to tell them that quarterback CJ Stroud, who did not play in the first game, was going to be there for the rematch.

It happens. Indeed, it happens to the best of teams, and to the best of defenses.

Schwartz just needed to say that, and not talk about pressing, whatever that meant.

The Browns didn’t press, nor did they impress. They were embarrassed, humiliated and crushed. But that’s over and done with, and the Browns are getting ready for 2024 season. It’s time to move on, and it’s also time to be honest, even when it’s well after the fact.

Steve King