Browns DC Jim Schwartz: 'We have to get back to clocking quarterbacks'
Dec. 7—The engine that ignites the Browns' defense has stalled.
Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, et al., never touched Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson nor Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, and as far as defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is concerned, that has to change. The Browns will try to snap a two-game losing streak on Dec. 10 when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1 p.m. at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
"We've been two weeks now without a defensive line sack, and that's not us," Schwartz said on Dec. 7 during his weekly session with media covering the Browns. "We're not built that way. We have a lot of talent up front and we're at our best when we can generate pressure with a four-man pass rush.
"We expect our D-line to be the driving force of our defense. They're the engine that drives us. We have to get back to clocking the quarterbacks and to building everything off of our four-man pass rush."
So much uncertainty surrounds the game against the Jaguars that Schwartz said the defensive game plan is 25 percent larger than it would normally be. The Browns have to prepare for quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Beathard because they don't know whether an ankle injury will prevent Lawrence from missing a game for the first time in his career. Plus, the forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of rain on Dec.10. The day might be windy or it might be calm. The field might be sloppy or it might hold up.
#Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz wants more from the defensive line. It has gone two straight games, both losses, without a sack. pic.twitter.com/H6Aw67Oqt4
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) December 7, 2023
"Fortunately this time of year, adding stuff that maybe you'd done earlier in the year doesn't take as much gasoline to get to the game plan," Schwartz said. "But it's definitely got to be on our radar with how the game is being played from a personnel standpoint and then also from a weather standpoint."
Still, the bottom line is the Browns need to pressure the Jaguars' quarterback, whether it's Lawrence of Beathard. Lawrence practiced on a limited basis with the Jaguars on Dec. 7, but that doesn't mean he'll be cleared to start against the Browns.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence back at practice. Didn't do every drill but did warm up and do some throwing. pic.twitter.com/N657dndYk1
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) December 7, 2023
Garrett was on the field for 57 of the Rams' 64 offensive snaps on Dec. 3 while playing with an injured left shoulder. He did not make a tackle.
Despite the quiet day for the Browns' star, Pro Football Focus ranks Garrett third among NFL edge rushers behind Nick Bosa of the 49ers and Micah Parsons of the Cowboys. Smith, who, statistically, has had a quiet season for the Browns (22 tackles, 2.5 sacks) ranks 38th among edge rushers, according to PFF. Ogbo Okoronkwo ranks 56th.
Pro Football Focus ranks Browns defensive tackle Maurice Hurst 12th among interior defenders. Shelby Harris is 35th. Dalvin Tomlinson is 63rd.
"The coach has been on our ass all week about not having (sacks), so we have to figure out a way to make it happen,' Smith said. "Teams are starting now to get the ball out quick, scheming us with chips and everything. So we just have to find a way.
"I haven't had as many sacks as I'm supposed to. I've missed a lot of sacks, man. I don't know what it could be with me. I think it's the extra step, me needing to take the extra step as in tackling the quarterback when I get to him."
Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward is practicing and plans to play after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. That should help the pass rush because Lawrence or Beathard might be forced to hold the ball longer waiting for a receiver to break open.
JAGUARS AT BROWNS
When: 1 p.m., Dec. 10
Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium
Records: Jaguars 8-4, Browns 7-5
TV: WOIO; Radio: WKRK-FM 92.3, WNCX-FM 98.5, WKNR-AM 850
