CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns’ aggressive defense under Jim Schwartz has been one of the league’s most disruptive units, but that same attacking style has opened the door for opponents to exploit the edges.
Teams have used pin and pull concepts to wall Cleveland’s defensive ends inside and create running lanes on the perimeter. Others have manipulated the front with false keys, using motion and backfield action to influence linebackers and edge defenders out of position.
Despite ranking among the NFL’s top run defenses statistically, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry, Cleveland has shown moments of vulnerability on the edge that creative offenses have turned into explosive gains.
Let’s take a look at the two main reasons that the Browns’ defense has had issues setting the edge through eight games this season:
1. Defensive ends getting pinned inside
Cleveland’s defensive ends have consistently been pinned inside by tight ends or split-out receivers aligned just wide enough to create leverage. That positioning gives the blocker a natural down angle, sealing the edge and forcing the end to collapse. When that happens, the runner either bounces outside for easy yardage or cuts back against the grain as the defense over pursues. It’s a small alignment tweak that has created big problems for Cleveland’s edge integrity.
In the clip below, the Patriots use a pin and pull look. The tight end seals McGuire inside, the tackle wraps, and the linebackers over-pursue outside. It creates a clean cutback lane for the runner.
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In the clip below, the Patriots run a zone variation while pinning defensive end Alex Wright inside. Watch the right tackle, right guard, and left guard climb to the second level. This is strong execution from New England, getting bodies on defenders.
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How can Schwartz fix this problem?
There are several ways to counter the pin and pull concept and take away the advantage created by the down block.
The defensive end must fight pressure with pressure by either defeating the down block or anchoring and occupying the first puller. Winning that initial battle disrupts the timing and flow of the play and forces the ball carrier to bounce wider than designed.
When the tight end or receiver blocks down, a second-level defender must replace and attack upfield to set a new edge and force the play back inside to the pursuit. The interior defenders and backside linebacker must then flow over the top, stay square, and clean up any cutback lanes once the edge has been reestablished.
2. Scheme and blocking variation
Opposing offenses have attacked Cleveland’s aggressive and fast flowing defense with a variety of tactics designed to manipulate the defensive ends. Not only have opposing teams used false reads, they have also mixed in different blocking schemes and even left the defensive ends unblocked to give them constant new looks.
By showing one direction, using option fundamentals and various blocking techniques, offenses are using the Browns’ aggression against them. This creates confusion at the line of scrimmage and influences the ends to crash or flatten inside. These tactics exploit how vertical and urgent the Browns front plays under Schwartz. The result has been hesitation on the edge, loss of the edge, and several chunk runs that have neutralized the Browns’ speed and aggression at the point of attack.
In the clip below, New England runs duo with two strong double teams to pull the Browns’ linebackers downhill. The left tackle seals McGuire outside, opening the edge for a big gain on the fly sweep.
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Below, the Patriots use another creative look against the Browns. They run a split zone option with tight end Hunter Henry using a “bluff” technique then becoming the lead blocker. When Wright sees the tackle release inside, he attacks upfield. Quarterback Drake Maye reads it perfectly and pitches to TreVeyon Henderson for a solid gain.
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Below, the Patriots run a speed option right at Cam Thomas to win the edge. Thomas shows great effort, turning and chasing the play down from behind.
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In the clip below, the Patriots show a false read to the Cleveland defense. They sell power to the left, getting the backside end to crash down and lose contain. New England flips it with a quick pitch to the right for an easy gain.
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How can Schwartz fix this problem?
Schwartz can counter these tactics by emphasizing discipline and control over pure aggression on the edge. The defensive ends need to play more square to the line of scrimmage and focus on their keys rather than reacting to backfield movement.
When offenses use option looks or leave the edge unblocked, the defensive end must use a surf technique by staying square with their shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage and ready to react in either direction. This approach allows the defender to move down the line while staying patient, maintaining outside leverage, and forcing the player to declare. It also allows inside pursuit to close space and preserve the defense’s structure.
Linebackers and safeties can help by replacing when the end gets influenced or trapped inside, fitting outside immediately when they see a down block or false key to keep the edge intact. Schwartz can also mix in slants and line movements to change the picture for offenses, making it harder for them to predict Cleveland’s reaction.
What we learned
Through eight games, the Browns have been one of the league’s toughest defenses, but setting the edge remains an issue opponents continue to target.
The solution comes down to discipline, eye control, and trusting the defensive structure. If their defenders can stay square and maintain leverage without losing their aggressive style, this group can eliminate one of the few weaknesses keeping it from being the most complete defense in football.
Lance Reisland is the former coach at Garfield Heights High School, where he spent 18 seasons as an assistant for his father, Chuck, and four as head coach, from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, his team finished 11-1 and appeared in the OHSAA Division II regional semifinals. That team went 10-0 and made history as the first Garfield Heights team in 41 years to have an undefeated regular season along with beating Warren G. Harding for the first playoff win in school history.
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