I remember, back in the offseason, hearing various Cleveland Browns optimists explain why the team could have a decent season this year despite a brutal schedule. All of the positive vibes seemed to be focused on one thing: Cleveland’s defense.
Theoretically, the Browns boasted a solid secondary, especially with Pro Bowlers Joe Haden and Tashaun Gipson. The defensive line was deep, and rookie Danny Shelton was drafted to come in and fix the team’s biggest problem of stopping the run.
Sure, Cleveland’s offense was devoid of anything resembling a play-maker. However, with a stout defense, all the team needed to do was put up 10-17 points and that should do it, right?
Wrong. Dead wrong, in fact.
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