BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Coming off arguably the best defensive performance of the season, defensive coordinator Joe Woods isn’t satisfied.
The Browns manhandled the Bengals 41-16, marking the third consecutive game and fifth time this season Woods’ unit allowed less than 17 points.
Cleveland is 4-1 in those games begging the question, has the defense finally turned a corner?
“I did not know that we were around the corner,” Woods said Thursday. “For us, there have been games, as you guys know, where we play really well and then there are games where we did not. For me, it is more about the consistency. It is really a week-in and week-out type of deal. I think the last couple of weeks, we have done a good job in terms of points allowed, but there are still things that we need to fix.”
Cleveland’s defense ranks third in overall yardage and defending the run. The 21.8 points per gam they’re allowing is tied for 10th-best and they are ranked ninth against the pass.
The Browns forced three turnovers, including Denzel Ward’s 99-yard pick-6 to thwart Cincinnati’s opening drive. They also recorded five sacks, registered 12 QB hits and broke up a dozen passes but Woods wasn’t satisfied.
“In the last game, we were on the field the first two series for 20 plays,” Woods said. “We have to find a way to get off. There are still things we are trying to fix, but I feel like it is definitely starting to come together. In terms of turning the corner, I do not know.”
Led by Ward, safety John Johnson III and nickel Troy Hill, it was a marquee effort for the secondary.
“I think they played extremely well,” Woods said. “I think it is a confidence-booster for all of those guys, just knowing that they have the ability to cover elite receivers in this league.”
After shutting down Bengals sophomore quarterback Joe Burrow, Patriots rookie Mac Jones is up next.
“Their offense has been the same forever,” Woods said. “We talk about the marriage of the run and pass, and they do a great job of running their plays but having their pass plays look exactly like their run plays. I think that is what creates a lot of problems for people, and it is something that we have to be on top of.
“I think it is a mix of what you do coverage wise. We have to give them different looks. We have to disguise just to try to confuse him a little bit – zone, man and pressure – but you have to do multiple things because they are really good at what they do.”
Baker better – Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw more than he did Wednesday during portion of practice open to reporters.
Mayfield, who had his left foot heavily wrapped in tape Thursday, has been dealing with the injury in addition to the injuries to his left shoulder.
“I would not expect Bake to miss any time,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said. “As it pertains to the game, he is a tough guy. He has already played through a lot worse than this. I think he will be fine. Just have to find a way to get him through practice this week.”
Mayfield is coming off one of his top performances of the season that saw him complete 14 of 21 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns at Cincinnati. He improved to 15-6 when attempting less than 30 passes and is 12-20 when attempting more than 30 passes.
“If you are throwing under 30, you are probably running the ball well and you are more balanced as an offense, which is good for all parties involved,” Van Pelt said.
Those numbers aren’t surprising considering the Browns are built to run while maintaining explosive ability throwing the ball.
“We get the running game going, and everything plays off of the running game,” Van Pelt said. “I would like to keep that number below 30. Usually, when you are over 30, it is because you are coming from behind or you are forced into those situations.
“We feel really good about our run game and what comes off of that. Obviously, a good marriage of run and pass and being balanced in that area is critical to any quarterback’s success.”
JOK on the way – It looks as if rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will be activated from injured reserve and play Sunday at New England.
“I am very optimistic he can play Sunday,” Woods said.
Owusu-Koramoah, who missed three weeks with a high ankle sprain, was designated to return from IR Wednesday, allowing him to return to practice.
“I am glad I went out there at least to go full speed and kind of test it out,” Owusu-Koramoah said. “We are still taking it day by day, but I definitely am looking forward to playing if I can this weekend.”
Woods said the second-round pick from Notre Dame looked “good” in practice and he’s looking forward to his diverse skillset returning to the defense.
“Speed. Coverage ability. Tackling. Blitzing. Everything,” Woods said. “He is a very talented player. There may be a little bit of rust, and we will see where he is at as we progress through the week. I think he just adds another dimension to our defense for sure.”
Returner TBA – With Demetric Felton on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer has to sort through his return situation.
“We have several guys we have worked with all summer and all season long,” Priefer said. “We work a lot of guys every single day just for this reason. You never know in our game today, whether it is an injury, COVID-19 or whatever the case may be.
Hopefully, Demetric will be there, but we are just not sure.”
Injury report – DNP: WR Donovan Peoples Jones (personal), C J.C. Tretter (knee), DE Myles Garrett (foot), DT Malik Jackson (knee), DE Takkarist McKinley (groin); LIMITED: WR Jarvis Landry (knee), TE Harrison Bryant (thigh), DE Jadeveon Clowney (ankle, knee), QB Baker Mayfield (left shoulder, foot), CB Greedy Williams (shoulder)
Up next – Practice Friday.