Former Browns General Manager Says They’re a Sleeper Team in 2023
It was no surprise that the Cleveland Browns went out and made a big change on the defensive side of the ball following the 2022 season. The Browns got rid of Joe Woods and hired proven defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in his place. Former Browns’ general manager Michael Lombardi pointed to that as one reason why the Browns could be a sleeper team.
“I think Cleveland is a sleeper team here because I think Jim Schwartz will make a difference in their defense,” said Lombardi.
Lombardi spent 2013-14 with the Browns and was eventually replaced by Ray Farmer.
It wasn’t just Schwartz they added, there was talent on the defensive line added in a big way. On the edge, Cleveland made additions with Za’Darius Smith and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Cleveland had to overhaul the interior of the defensive line and still could use one more piece there. But adding Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika should help out at defensive tackle. Maurice Hurst and Trysten Hill have a chance to make the team, too.
“They’re going to be better defensively. One thing about a Jim Schwartz defense, go back to Tennessee or Philadelphia, they make you one-dimensional. You have got to throw the ball.”
Lombardi pointed to the talent in the secondary. Last season Martin Emerson Jr. looked the part of a very good cornerback in his rookie season as a third-round draft pick. Greg Newsome hopes to have a big year and Denzel Ward could return to his Pro Bowl level of play.
If the Browns can improve their defense which gave up 22.4 points a game last season, they’ll be tending in the right direction. The changes that Schwartz implements should be felt early on.
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