DTR’s Debut and Defensive Dynamics in Browns vs. Ravens

The Browns’ loss against Baltimore was undeniably ugly. Yet, it provided valuable insights into their backup quarterback’s performance and the mostly remarkable defensive play. As they face the 5-0 49ers on Sunday, the team must rally together due to injuries to some key players. Here is my take on DTR’s debut and the defensive dynamics of the Cleveland Browns.

DTR’s Debut

DTR drew significant public blame for the loss to Baltimore. While his overall performance wasn’t stellar, attributing the loss solely to him is unfair. Notably, in the beginning of the game, he executed several impressive timing-throws. Additionally, he was able to evade the pass rush and deliver accurate passes on the move. In the opening drive, he connected with DPJ on a well timed back-shoulder throw and with Njoku, leading him away from a defender to secure a first down on 3rd and 5. DTR’s rushing ability has never been in question, and it’s reassuring to see it translating to the NFL level. Although this performance indicates he isn’t ready yet to be a backup, it’s far too premature to abandon hope for a fifth-round rookie after his first career start.

Most significantly, DTR must improve his decision-making and ball security. He’s too determined pre-snap, which led him to force throws into tight windows. These passes often resulted in tipped balls, one of which led to the first interception. The second interception appeared to result from a miscommunication with the receiver, who ran a corner route while DTR led him down the field. However, throughout the game, DTR’s deep throws proved inaccurate and were predominantly underthrown. Furthermore, he tended to play “hero-ball”, forcing deep throws into double coverage, which potentially could have resulted in one or two additional turnovers. Notably, the third interception, occurring late in the fourth quarter, carries less weight, as the game’s result was already determined.

Offensive Outlook

Yet, DTR’s offensive supporting cast underperformed as well. The pass protection, particularly at the tackle positions, was far less than ideal. We might soon witness potential additions via trade or free agency to address this issue. This situation made it surprising to watch Stefanski’s extensive use of 11 personnel, which, on many plays, left the offensive line without help. To add to these issues, the Browns weren’t able to establish their running game. On many occasions, running backs were touched by defenders before crossing the line of scrimmage. These factors intensified the already great pressure on a young quarterback making his first NFL start.

While depending on DTR as a backup in his first year might have been somewhat naive, there’s a lot of room for optimism if he can adapt to the speed in the NFL. He demonstrated an ability to deliver precise and well-timed short and medium throws. If he can grow more comfortable on the field and master reading opposing defenses, a long and promising NFL career could be ahead of this young man. His impressive physical attributes position him as a seamless fit for the role of a backup to Deshaun Watson, allowing minimal alteration in playcalling when DTR is on the field.

Defensive Dynamics

The Browns defense wasn’t in its typically dominant form against Baltimore’s run-heavy offense. Although half of the Ravens’ points stemmed from advantageous field position following turnovers, the Browns’ defense surrendered two rare, long touchdown drives. Baltimore exploited Cleveland’s aggressive front by using an abundance of pulling offensive linemen. This tactic created one-on-one matchups between the pulling linemen and Cleveland’s edges or linebackers. As every player on the defensive line aggressively aimed to penetrate the backfield as quickly as possible, this approach often created gaping holes for the running back to exploit. Also, the Ravens’ offense hinged on the added element of Lamar Jackson’s capacity to keep the ball and run, becoming the first team to breach the otherwise staggering Browns defense.

The Jim Schwartz effect

There is no denying the difference that the new defensive coordinator has already made in Cleveland. Schwartz’s utilization of JOK stands out to me, especially as JOK still struggles with processing plays at the speed his body would allow him to play at. JOK frequently aligned as a blitzer or as a spy on Lamar, which simplified his defensive responsibilities and allowed him to play at full speed. If he can adapt to the game’s tempo, his ceiling is as high as anyone’s in the league. Additionally, I’m highly impressed with Mo Hurst and Alex Wright’s contributions as pass rushers. Hurst might be the best interior rushing threat the Browns possess, while Wright has made huge strides in his progression compared to last season.


I greatly appreciate the aggressiveness Schwartz has installed in this defense, but it occasionally results in overpursuit, with defenders sacrificing their assignments and creating unfavorable angles that lead to missed tackles and big gains for opposing offenses. Nevertheless, I favor this approach over the “bend but don’t break” defense that was run under Joe Woods. Furthermore, in this particular game, the Ravens secured a substantial early lead, which led them to limit their passing plays and avoid playing into the Browns’ defensive strengths. I view this game as more of an exception than a trend for this defensive unit, which still displayed many dominant sequences even in the 28-3 loss. However, I could see mobile quarterbacks in diverse running schemes being a challenge for this defense in the future.


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