The Browns have revamped their defense this offseason with several new faces joining the team and cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch believes there is one key to having success in 2023.
"We value versatility," Lynch told reporters. "Having guys that have multiple roles, guys that have position flex and do it at a high level is going to help us in the fall."
versatility is a part of this defense pic.twitter.com/lodqq2NWNg
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 8, 2023
Lynch, who is in his third year coaching with Cleveland and helped the Colts win the Super Bowl as a player (2006), is onto something.
Having versatility and flexibility on a team is very beneficial, especially come late in the season when a team is dealing with injuries. However, adding a bunch of talent also helps and the Browns have certainly done that.
Just on defense, Cleveland signed DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and S Juan Thornhill in free agency, drafted DT Siaki Ika with one of its third-round picks and traded for DE Za'Darius Smith.
In 2022, the Browns were most notably bad against the run, allowing 135 yards per game, which ranked eighth-worst in the league.
With the team's newest additions, Cleveland should not only have versatility and flexibility but also boast one of the best units in the NFL.
It's no secret the Browns have high aspirations for 2023 and their defense will need to play a large role.
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