Addition of DC Jim Schwartz pays early dividends for Browns

The Browns had another very active offseason, but their best addition may not even be a player following their dominant 24-3 win over the defending AFC North champion Bengals in Week 1.

Cleveland had an opening at defensive coordinator and it made the first hire of the cycle. The team's quick movement to add Jim Schwartz to the coaching staff has paid early dividends. 

Cincinnati's offense was held to 142 yards, 2-of-15 on third downs and just six first downs in Schwartz's first game as defensive coordinator. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who just became the highest-paid player in NFL history, had a career-low 82 yards passing and a career-worst 52.2 passer rating.

"Was very very very impressive," head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the game. "Very proud of Jim and his defensive staff and the players. I thought they executed the game plan very well."

The Browns defense was in the middle of the league last season, allowing 331.2 yards per game in 2022. Schwartz is certainly changing things for the better. He is also using some of Cleveland's players differently.

Defensive end Myles Garrett played four snaps rushing from inside linebacker on Sunday. He only had 21 snaps from inside linebacker in his six previous seasons. The four plays resulted in a sack and three incompletions.

The AFC North seems wide open. There has been a lot of talk about the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers this offseason, but it may be the Browns who quietly take back the division in 2023 led by Schwartz's defense.