After a lackluster year last season, the Cleveland Browns’ defense is ready to play their best football. Sometimes, it would get frustrating to watch if you are a Browns fan. There were some times when the defense was good, but there were also times that were very bad, as said by Anthony Walker.
“You can never take for granted unity and familiarity with your teammates, with the system, with the playbook, whatever it is. As much as you say you should be able to plug-and-play this guy from this system and put him in your system, it’s not the same. We had the guys who could do that, and we had flashes where we were really, really good, but we also had stretches where we were really, really bad.”
The peak of their defensive frustration last year was against the Patriots when they lost by a score of 45-7. After that game, Myles Garrett went ahead and criticized his own team’s performance.
“We never had a chance just because we didn’t make any adjustments on the sideline or when we had time to.”
And his criticism most likely worked. But, it was necessary. In their last seven games, the Browns’ defense played a lot better, but the team as a whole still struggled.
“I think it was necessary. I said what I meant and shined a spotlight on some of our weaknesses and what we needed to improve on. I’m not here to call anyone out or make anyone feel bad, but at the same time, we have a job to do, a standard to uphold. I’m trying to get the results out of my team just as much as the coaches are and the players are. I want to see everyone shine, however I can do that. I’m going to try to maximize everyone’s potential, not just mine.”
Garrett also said that a goal of his this year is to become a great leader. He’s even been giving tips to rookie Perrion Winfrey.
The Browns definitely need a leader on defense, and it appears they have one. With their “no excuse” mentality, this Cleveland Browns’ defense should have a good year.
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