Most insiders predicted a tough season for the Cleveland Browns.
Deshaun Watson‘s suspension put them in a tough spot for most of the campaign, with Jacoby Brissett handling the starting QB in the meantime.
As expected, the Browns didn’t find a lot of success without Watson.
But as much as people expected their offense to struggle, their defense was perhaps even more disappointing.
So, it wasn’t a surprise to see the team relieving Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods from his duties, with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski releasing a statement via the team’s social media:
“I’d like to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication in his three seasons as our defensive coordinator,” the statement read. “I will always have the utmost respect for Joe, the person and the coach. Unfortunately, we didn’t perform up to our standards enough this season, and we all share in that responsibility. We all wish Joe and his family the best in the future.”
https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1612450013162147842
The Browns were expected to be one of the league’s defensive powerhouses, yet they couldn’t live up to those expectations.
They allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (135.2) and 22.4 points per game, the tenth-worst figure in the league.
They also allowed a 39.5% conversion rate in third-down and struggled to get timely stops when it mattered the most.
Notably, Stefanski will most likely enter the season on the hot seat as he’ll now get a full campaign with Watson behind center, so there will be no more room for excuses or shortcomings this time around.
NEXT: Browns Begin The Offseason With An Expected Move