Behind Enemy Lines: Cleveland Browns (III)

For the third part of our on going series with our Cleveland Browns friends Factory of Sadness we are going to discuss the Browns great

Nov 3, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) is tackled by Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) in the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

defensive play this season.

Q:Cleveland is the third best overall defense in the NFL. What do you contribute to the great play of the defense? What has been the biggest difference maker for you this season? Who would your defensive MVP be?

A: The easy, and maybe most accurate answer would be Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton. His schemes have allowed the Browns to get pressure on the opponent and help dictate the flow of the game. While some of his pressures have left openings in coverage, particularly over the middle part of the field, the attitude he has inserted into the team has been the difference. The decision to invest highly in the defensive side of the ball this off-season (Signing Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant and drafting Barkevious Mingo) has played dividends as well. There is speed and talent on the defensive line with great depth and the linebackers excel at getting after the ball.

While I have focused much on the front 7 I would actually say that Joe Haden is our defensive MVP. Because Haden has been able to shut down, to one extent to another, the #1 receiver on the other team, Horton is able to be aggressive. Haden’s physical play also shows up in his willingness to run support. Combined with Safety TJ Ward and that Front 7 the Browns have allowed the Browns to give up the 6th least rushing yards in the NFL. 

With two days left until the Bengals Browns matchup Sunday in Cincinnati stay tuned to RFB and FoS for more updates leading up until game time.