I don’t believe it to be true and have stated so any number of times.

Nevertheless, just for conversation’s sake, let‘s assume that “everybody else” is right and the Browns do indeed have a lot of talented defensive players. However, the defense has performed poorly not just this season, but also in the previous two seasons.

So, if the problem is not the quality of the players, then what is it?

It has to be scheme and/or coaching. There’s nothing else left. 
The truth is the Browns have decent talent — not great, just a little above average. Considering that, the unit should be playing better.

It isn’t happening because the third-year defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, is flawed, and so is his scheme, and the way he is teaching it. Missed assignments galore, along with poor technique, provide undeniable evidence of that. So is the fact the Browns have been gashed all season by the running game, especially in the past two weeks.

The defense, then, has been what is holding this team back.

As such, there has to be something done about the defense. I don’t think the Browns are going to fire Woods, regardless of whether he should be axed or not. So, then, at least the scheme has to change, along with the way he calls a game. Perhaps he should work with a partner on the calls.

The Browns on Monday traded with the Atlanta Falcons for former Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones. That’s a good move by General Manager Andrew Berry.

In reality, though, the Browns can trade for Deacon Jones or Deion Sanders or anyone else and it isn’t going to matter a hill of beans until fundamental changes are made to the scheme and coordinator. It clearly isn’t working as is.

Steve King