(No Longer) Joe Woods’ Defense

[DJTJ]

There was one crucial conversion to Andrews where the inside LB who should have been checking him went to the wrong side of the field.

A play where they should have used a time out to get everything right, but probably expected Baltimore to do so.

Instead, Baltimore ran up to the line with no subs.

 

[I'mWithDan]

A play where they should have used a time out to get everything right, but probably expected Baltimore to do so.

Instead, Baltimore ran up to the line with no subs.

Yeah, I think that was less a play call issue and more an issue of personnel being confused or caught inbetween.

Should have taken a timeout and reset. It seemed like a designed hurry up to see if you can get a look or confusion.....and they did, so they went with it.

But I suspect if we call timeout, they probably punt there......who knows.

 

[bob2the2nd]

I just watched the condensed version of the game on game pass because I didn't have a lot of time, so my reply here will be short as well.

I just wanted to mention that Joe Woods schemed up a good game today and the players played well.

I have one gripe, and it's only because this was one of those things where I thought it was an obvious situation... Mark Andrews was running way too wide open way too often, and he's a big reason that they almost came back in the fourth quarter. I'd have like that addressed sooner with an in-game adjustment, but all things considered - good game today coach.

The defense had multiple 4th downs to put the game away and absolutely couldnt, until 40 seconds left. They played a great first half, and a mediocre/poor 2nd half. (just like the offense). That said they got completely screwed on a no call OPI which was blatant and would have effectively ended the game.

Ultimately played well enough to get the win, but had the browns lost they would have had the target on their back for a colossal melt down.

 

[Ohdang]

A starting strong safety and the linebacker opposite JOK out. It doesn't take an NFL level coordinator to know Andrews would be the primary target in the passing game.

Haven't seen the whole game yet, but I'm happy with a win in a must-win situation.

Woods had a good game. But Andrews was completely alone several times and made completely uncontested catches with room to run. He also dropped one where he was pretty open.

I just feel like that should have been corrected in game after 1-2 times (should have been a primary key for the week because it's no secret he's their main passing weapon) and it wasn't. He was gashing us in the 4th.

It's one gripe from an otherwise good game. It happens.

 

[Ohdang]

There was one crucial conversion to Andrews where the inside LB who should have been checking him went to the wrong side of the field.

Sure, players make mistakes. But counterpoint - it's Mark Andrews, a guy we know is the primary passing target. Why would we cover him with only a linebacker on a crucial conversion play? That isn't putting the defense in position to succeed.

But again, small gripe. Woods did well. I'm not attacking him. But I'm also not ignoring valid concerns.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Yeah, upon finishing the game, the defense had a winning performance when injuries are factored in.

When the offense has a pair of three and outs in a row, it's pretty common for the other team to put together a drive. The defense never got a reasonable break to rest and for coaches to reassess.

Of course, the biggest problem was an onside kick bouncing off Janovich's face. That was close to an all time Browns brain fart!

 

[Ohdang]

I was glad to see that they came out and said no major changes were planned for the coaching staff. I started off not being a fan of Joe Woods whatsoever, but he did show a tremendous amount of growth over the course of the season, and he actually finally had some talent. Having another year of that combination ought to yield us some good results.

 

[Randolphkeys]

I was glad to see that they came out and said no major changes were planned for the coaching staff. I started off not being a fan of Joe Woods whatsoever, but he did show a tremendous amount of growth over the course of the season, and he actually finally had some talent. Having another year of that combination ought to yield us some good results.

There will always be a certain amount of musical chairs among lower positional coaches. With the Vikings clearing house and starting over, I expect to see some front office, scouting, and positional coaches find their way to Cleveland from Minnesota.

But the vision for Joe Woods defense really developed as two things happened:

1. JOK established himself as an every down linebacker instead of sub package player.

2. Grant Delpit and Greg Newsome eased into prominent roles in the backfield, and stayed healthy.

Last step I see is John Johnson 3 exclusively moving to strong safety. Hope it happens.

 

[MattyFos.]

There will always be a certain amount of musical chairs among lower positional coaches. With the Vikings clearing house and starting over, I expect to see some front office, scouting, and positional coaches find their way to Cleveland from Minnesota.

But the vision for Joe Woods defense really developed as two things happened:

1. JOK established himself as an every down linebacker instead of sub package player.

2. Grant Delpit and Greg Newsome eased into prominent roles in the backfield, and stayed healthy.

Last step I see is John Johnson 3 exclusively moving to strong safety. Hope it happens.

Also turnovers. The defense force little mistakes for the first half of the season then around November it clicked and they started getting takeaways.
Greedy stepped up as well and without looking it up I'd guess he leads the team in pass breakups

 

[MGMT]

Mayfields been a bit of an exhausting subject lately so I stole this off Reddit:

Impact of Joe Woods Overlooked In Secondary Development

Joe Woods played a big role in their overhaul of Cleveland Browns secondary.

www.si.com

 

[bob2the2nd]

Mayfields been a bit of an exhausting subject lately so I stole this off Reddit:

Impact of Joe Woods Overlooked In Secondary Development

Joe Woods played a big role in their overhaul of Cleveland Browns secondary.

www.si.com

he has this defense cooking by the end of the year, something which i didnt think possible with how they looked at the beginning of the season. He deserves a massive amount of credit for the turn around.

Will be interesting to see if the browns can bring back Clowney at a decent rate. Right now that defensive line is going to need some help

 

[Randolphkeys]

The Browns ended the season as the fifth-best passing defense in the league. I don't say that because I'm trying to run a victory lap, it's just a positive we should take away from a season that disappointed us often.

I believe our guy under Woods, defensive backs coach Jeff Howard, is going to get some consideration for DC jobs. If not this off-season, then next. Luckily the Vikings just went nuclear and cleaned house. I'm hoping the Browns are able to draw a few face cards if they lose defensive position coaches to promotion.

 

[Ohio]

Seemed like the best thread to post this.

Can’t wait to watch this defense this year…think they can be pretty special.

 

[FrontPageNews]

Seemed like the best thread to post this.

Can’t wait to watch this defense this year…think they can be pretty special.

It’s basically the same defense it was last year… probably top 10. Nothing special.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

Seemed like the best thread to post this.

Can’t wait to watch this defense this year…think they can be pretty special.

My first takeaway is I think PFF is getting better.

I still think they're flawed in certain ways that are elevating JC Jackson, but seeing Ramsey/Ward/AJ Terrell that high makes me think they're doing things right.