Cleveland Browns DC Jim Schwartz Details How He Plans To Slow Lions’ Rushing Attack In Week 4

The upcoming Week 4 clash between the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns is more than just a game; it’s a battle of philosophies. On one side, you have the Lions’ powerful, top-ranked rushing attack. On the other, the Browns’ suffocating, number-one-ranked run defense. The war of words has already begun, with coordinators from both sides expressing confidence in their units. Now, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has detailed his plan for corralling one of the league’s most dynamic ground games.

This article will break down the strategic comments from Jim Schwartz on the Detroit Lions’ run game, analyzing his defensive game plan, the specific threats he identified, and why this matchup in the trenches is the key to victory for both teams.

Cleveland Browns Jim Schwartz Preparing For A Challenge

After Lions offensive coordinator John Morton stated that the Browns “haven’t seen a run game like ours yet,” the attention turned to his counterpart in Cleveland. Jim Schwartz, a former Lions head coach himself, responded with a respectful but firm counterpoint, acknowledging the strength of Detroit’s offense while reminding everyone of the quality of opponents his unit has already faced.

“I mean, we’ve faced some good running offenses,” Schwartz told the media. “I mean, Green Bay was running the ball really well, so was Baltimore. Cincinnati was more of a pass-game offense. So, you know, it’s one of the major things we have to do is stop the run.”

Schwartz’s history speaks for itself. His defenses are consistently among the league’s best at stopping the run, including a top-ranked unit with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. His current Browns defense is allowing a paltry 57.3 yards per game on the ground. He understands that to beat the Lions, his defense must first win the battle at the line of scrimmage. His detailed breakdown of Detroit’s attack shows a coach who has done his homework and has a specific plan in mind.

Schwartz’s Blueprint to Slow Down Detroit

Schwartz went beyond typical coach-speak and offered a fascinating glimpse into his defensive strategy. He identified the multi-faceted nature of the Lions’ rushing attack, highlighting the different skill sets of their running backs and the creative ways the offense gets them the ball.

Defending the Edges and the Full Width of the Field

The first point of emphasis for Schwartz is containing the speed and versatility of running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is a threat not just between the tackles but as a receiver out of the backfield and on outside runs.

“Two different running backs, you got to protect your edges. You got to defend all 53 and [a] third [yards], particularly with [Jahmyr] Gibbs,” Schwartz explained. This means his defensive ends and outside linebackers must maintain discipline and not allow Gibbs to get to the perimeter, where his speed can be devastating. It requires a coordinated effort across the entire defense to account for the full width of the field.

Treating the Pass as an Extension of the Run

Schwartz also noted that stopping the Lions’ ground game goes beyond just tackling the running backs on handoffs. He correctly identified that Detroit’s offense uses the short passing game as a way to supplement their rushing attack, getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers in space.

“And then there’s a lot of passes that are just extensions of the run game. A lot of screen game, a lot of quicks. Even the checkdowns are sort of an extension of the run game,” he said.

This is a critical insight. It means the Browns’ defensive plan will involve more than just their defensive line plugging gaps. Linebackers will need to be sharp in their pass coverage responsibilities, and the entire defense must be prepared to tackle well in the open field.

The Importance of Tackling

Schwartz’s final point tied everything together: fundamental tackling. Against elusive backs like Gibbs and powerful runners like David Montgomery, missed tackles can turn a short gain into an explosive play.

“So, our ability to play run defense, our ability to tackle in the open field, you know, that’s a major part of this game plan going forward,” he concluded. This highlights a focus on fundamentals. The Browns’ defense will be drilled all week on wrapping up, driving their feet, and ensuring the first tackler brings the ball carrier to the ground.

The Matchup: An Unstoppable Force vs. An Immovable Object

This game will be decided by which unit can impose its will. The Detroit Lions, averaging 149 rushing yards per game, have built their identity on a physical, dominant offensive line and a deep backfield. They are committed to the run and have the talent to wear defenses down.

The Cleveland Browns, led by All-Pro Myles Garrett, have the personnel and the scheme to counter that approach. Their aggressive, attack-style front is designed to create disruption in the backfield and shut down running lanes before they can develop.

This creates several key battles to watch:

• Detroit’s Offensive Line vs. Cleveland’s Defensive Line: Can Penei Sewell and others create movement against Garrett and company?
• Jahmyr Gibbs vs. The Browns’ Linebackers: Can Cleveland’s linebackers contain Gibbs’ speed on the edge and in the passing game?
• David Montgomery vs. The Browns’ Interior: Can Montgomery’s powerful, between-the-tackles running style find success against Cleveland’s stout interior defense?

Conclusion

The commentary surrounding the Jim Schwartz Detroit Lions run game plan has set the stage for a must-see clash of titans. While John Morton’s confidence in his offense is well-founded, Jim Schwartz’s detailed and strategic breakdown shows that his top-ranked defense is more than prepared for the challenge.

His plan to protect the edges, defend the short passing game, and tackle effectively in space is a comprehensive blueprint designed to neutralize Detroit’s greatest strength. This isn’t just another game for Schwartz; it’s a high-stakes chess match against one of the league’s best-designed offenses. The team that wins the battle in the trenches on Sunday will almost certainly walk away with the victory.