The Cleveland Browns won 11 games last year and made a playoff appearance. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was named NFL Coach of the Year along with three other league awards being doled out within the franchise.
With the season viewed as a success, hopes are high for the upcoming season. There is very little transition with all three units, which is an oddity for Cleveland. Training camp opens July 22 for rookies and July 23 for veterans.
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The only positions up for grabs are both offensive tackles, an interior defensive tackle, backup tight end, starting running back (until Nick Chubb is healthy), and outside linebacker specifically the SAM (strongside) position.
The linebacker room is the only group on the entire roster that has been renovated.
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The Browns have a top defense. Last year under new DC Jim Schwartz, the defense ranked Top-5 in almost every category.
In most of these groupings, the Browns were ranked Number 1: fewest completions (307), least completion percentage (57.4%), fewest first down conversions via the pass (136), and fewest passing completions of 20-yards or greater (39).
Other notables include overall passing defense #2, fewest passing yards #2 (3,149), most interceptions #3 (18), fewest passing completions of 40-yards or greater #5 (7), most sacks #6 (49), and fewest rushing yards #11 (1,793).
This season’s defense will display the majority of starting and backup players in the 2023 season. That is, except for the linebacker group. This one group has several new faces.
Right off the top, MLB Anthony Walker was not re-signed and eventually, he signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. The Browns loved Walker’s play, his tackling abilities, plus his work ethic. What they didn’t love was how often the talented backer was hurt and all the games he missed.
Since coming to Cleveland in 2021, Walker never worked a full season and missed 23 games in three years.
On the other hand, weakside (WILL) linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had his best season to date. He was later named as a Pro Bowl alternate after he had 101 total tackles.
Sione Takitaki manned the SAM linebacker position. His production dipped a bit as he had his third most career tackles in a season with 65. He was on a one-year deal as his rookie contract had run out, and the franchise did not offer him a long-term deal. Once the 2023 season ended, the Browns wanted him back, and most expected that he would again re-sign with the club. But during free agency, he bolted for a two-year deal with the New England Patriots.
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Cleveland signed Jordan Hicks away from the Minnesota Vikings to take over the MIKE (middle) linebacker slot. JOK will remain in the WILL position.
That leaves the SAM linebacker role wide open for the taking.
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DBN: The defense last year under DC Jim Schwartz was in the Top-5 of almost every category. Was it something y’all drank, or was there a magic formula?
Fields: We just stuck to his script. Coach Schwartz came in and gave us a strict defensive philosophy to attack the ball. We tried to be one team, one heartbeat.
DBN: What does Schwartz require of his linebackers?
Fields: To be the nerve center of the defense. We have to call plays, make sure everyone around us is chill, and lined up where they are supposed to lined up. Then repeat and do it over again. We go in and clean everything up.
DBN: You and every defensive player are part of Coach Schwartz winning that Assistant Coach of the Year Award last year. Tell us something we don’t know about him.
Fields: He really takes the time to talk to his players. You will see Coach walking solo. He will then find one player and talk to them on a personal level. That is one of the best tenancies in a great coach.
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DBN: What do you know now that you wished you knew as a rookie?
Fields: More about football. I have been a learning sponge ever since I entered the NFL, but over time I have gotten to learn and understand formations and tenancies and situations. That takes your game to the next step. I tell college players that is the biggest transition. Most guys are fast in college, and most guys are athletic in college, especially with technology now. Some of them are ready to play early, but they have to wait three years. To take your game to the next step you have to learn all the fundamentals and angles of the game and perfecting it.
DBN: You were on the kickoff team this spring. What is your opinion of the XFL kickoff?
Fields: I like it. It is close contact so less injuries and we can still make plays. And I think hopefully, teams are going to return more kicks and keep the ball in the field of play. For me, that is the first play of defense in the game. When I line up on kickoff, I make sure I am as serious as the first defensive snap of the game. I have no problem with his new kickoff honestly. It is going to prolong some guy’s careers and will add stats for everyone.
DBN: What about kickoff return team? How is that different?
Fields: It is more close quarters. You got to use your feet more and be able to lock up. The key is going to be able to lock on your man.
DBN: Tight ends obviously have an advantage over linebackers because of their height and the fact that most are just shy of being offensive linemen’s size. You are athletic enough. What is the key to covering a guy bigger and taller in space?
Fields: Knowing their route tree, how they break down in their routes, and when they break down in their routes. Most tight ends break between eight and 10 yards. With short routes, they break within five yards. You have to know that. You have to know their speed in their routes and know their tenancies on their get off on what part of the field. That is all hand-to-hand on how to cover a guy. You keep your pad level and keep your feet moving and cover him.
DBN: You are a high-character guy. Why is that important to you?
Fields: It has always been my nature. I want to keep my team energized. I am one of those guys who is “always front line” for the team. I have always wanted to be that guy to step in and be that vocal leader for the team. This year I am going to step up even more and take a little more initiative.
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DBN: Last year from Week 5-on you were the starter in base defense and started six games the year before that. Every game you start you produce. Last season a touchdown against Indianapolis that sealed a win and you had 10 tackles in the second Bengals game showing you have progressed. Can we say that your “development period” is officially over?
Fields: Yes and no. I don’t feel that development is ever over. I can now call myself a veteran in this league, but there will always be a developmental period going on with me. Ever.
DBN: The stars have seemed to align for you to become one of the starting linebackers this year. What is this going to take?
Fields: The same thing it always takes. The same energy, the same dedication, and the same utmost effort I have put into football my entire life. I have to still trust the process and know that God has a plan for everyone.
Note: Thomas Moore contributed to this article
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