We're talking about it in different threads, but it could be the difference between 10-6 and a brief playoff cameo... and a game or two better and ready to knock of serious opponents.
The Chiefs defense gradually got better all of 2019 and by the last several games and then the playoffs, they were more than good enough to win a championship. Between tweaks and getting healthy, the Browns need to do the same.
On the pay board, a dude offered up this "ideal" lineup if everybody's healthy, and got agreement:
DL: Myles, Sheldon, Larry, Clayborn. Latter has outplayed Vernon, but in packages, I'm thinking both he and Clayborn are on the field.
LB: Wilson-Phillips hold on for one more day. I think it's our "upside" duo, the one most likely to be good and possibly really good. After that, I like Malcolm Smith, he can cover.
CB: 3 of them. I believe he pitched Denzel, KJ, and Greedy. Latter could be Mitch.
S: Joseph and Ronnie Harrison.
It's a faster group than we've seen so far and they cover way better with no Sione, BJ, or Sendejo out there. Thoughts? Anybody think we'll make a middle-class trade before the deadline?
Good thread, Shep.
I agree that the CLEAR best unit on the defense has been the line. Along with those you mentioned, promising rookie Jordan Elliot is in the rotation.
I was glad to see Jacob Phillips back last week. His presence in the game was noticeable, and his impact immediate. What a difference a physical linebacker with speed makes. Mack and Jacob are cemented as core pieces in my mind for the foreseeable future.
The quicker we swap Harrison for Sendejo, the better. The increase in game speed is palpable with Harrison.
But this unit MUST capitalize on opportunities better. They had 4 sure interceptions in their hands last week, and dropped them all. That equals far too many enemy drives being allowed to continue. We are lucky that has not cost us a victory yet. Gotta tighten that up.
Truth about Phillips. His speed pops.
The D is more talented than they're currently playing. That's the important note. There is a real chance they improve to a level which would be needed for real, playoff football.
Getting, and staying, healthy is the first task. It's good to see Mack and Phillips back out there. Over the coming weeks their roles should expand and hopefully they grow more comfortable with the system. As for Greedy, I'm not sure what is going on there, but he's undoubtedly an upgrade when he is healthy.
Outside of those, it's a bunch of guys in a first year system learning to play together. It won't be perfect but I don't think it's out of the question to see the D grow in to a 8-12 territory among the league. This is especially true with this DL and those corners. They also should help propel us to a point in which we're at least capable of winning every game.
We do have quit a lot of talent on defense, mostly clustered on the DL and at CB, if/when that foursome can stay healthy. And pass rush and pass coverage is indeed the league we play in... but we've been pretty damn good at stopping both the run AND the big play.
It's everything in between that's eating us up, and that's the coverage ability of safeties and LBs, mostly. If Denzel, Mitch, and KJ are all completely well now, they should be on the field all the time. I like promoting a taller CB like A.J. Green, get a look at him against TEs.
But like everybody everywhere is saying, it feels mostly about getting Harrison, Mack, and Phillips on the field for more snaps. They're way faster than Sendejo, BJ, and Sione and it shows up.
Delpit loss feels bigger and bigger, like they got exactly the guy they wanted for Joe Woods. He's kinda the Dylan Windler of the Browns, a guy who wasn't a lottery pick but is kinda-sorta regarded as one.
This has become my personal blog (!).
If we're healthy, I expect the offense to be a massive handful by later in the season. I have no doubt Baker is gonna get more confident, more certain, and as I wrote elsewhere, that's spinach and he's Popeye.
The defense needs better players on the field. Are those already on the squad? To some extent, I think. Harrison was outstanding before getting concussed, the best safety play we've seen all year. If Jacob Phillips can get his knee right, his speed is glaring for all sighted people. Smith and Mack are already seeing more and more snaps while BJ sees fewer. KJ is now the full-time slot, all healthy.
Would AB make a move before the deadline? He just might... but Joe's defense seems a little tough to digest. I'd get him in now so he can be ready after the bye, whoever it might be.
Anthony Harris would not need that much time, he knows the defense... but I've read the Browns are already getting excited for Delpit-Harrison.