Browns’ defense doesn’t mind being overshadowed by stars
DE Garrett says offense can have spotlight, no problem
BEREA, Ohio — Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry are elite NFL players and quarterback Baker Mayfield is the most popular athlete in Cleveland.
Their star power at Browns training camp has been magical for fans — and for the team’s defense, which has been turned invisible by their presence.
“Our offense has a lot of weapons, we know that, and it’s exciting for everyone,” rookie cornerback Greedy Williams said Saturday after practice. “But at the end of the day, you’ve got to have defense to win.
“We don’t care what anybody is saying about us or not saying. Our defense just comes out every day and tries to make things better for all of us by competing as hard as we can.”
Cleveland allowed the third-most yards in the NFL last season and ranked in the bottom quarter of the league against the pass and run. Major changes followed as interim coach/defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was not retained and starters Jamie Collins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jabrill Peppers were sent packing.
The Browns’ top two draft picks were Louisiana State product Williams and BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki.
“We have the best of both worlds, but defense wins championships,” said defensive end Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall selection in 2017. “We’ve seen that many times throughout the years and it’s never going to change. If they can’t score the ball and we can, then we’re going to win every time.”
The defense held its own on the third day of camp, ending the three-hour, full-pad session with Murray’s pick-6 of backup Drew Stanton. Williams had a pair of interceptions Friday and the new-look line appears to be jelling quickly, though it continues to fly under the radar.
First-year coach Freddie Kitchens and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks have no problem with that side of the ball being ignored around the NFL. Nor does Garrett.
“It doesn’t bother me at all because I don’t mind not getting any attention,” Garrett explained. “I don’t mind it on the field, either. If you don’t want to block me, I’ll be willing to take the sack, too.”