Cleveland Browns Must Sign a Defensive End in Order to Compete in 2011-2012

July 23, 2011   ·   Michael Hoag   ·   Jump to comments

The Cleveland Browns MUST acquire an explosive defensive end in free agency in order to contend in the AFC North.
Dick Jauron’s 4-3 defensive scheme is described as simplified compared to Rob Ryan‘s complex 3-4 scheme from 2010.  This means it's easier for the players to learn and execute, but at the same time, with simplicity comes predictability.  
Ryan’s defense was anything but simple and it showed in the improvements that were made (29 sacks in 2009 increased to 40 in 2010 and 126 rush YPG decrease to 102 rush YPG in 2010). Given another year or two under Ryan’s tutelage and personnel moves, who knows what could have been.
But that was then, this is now…  Water under the bridge.
Cleveland has subtracted the strength of its defense, its complexity (it confused Drew Brees and Tom Brady leading to upset Cleveland victories) and substituted simplicity.  As a result, there are glaring gaps needing addressing.
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