On September 1, 2019, the Houston Texans traded Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks.
As a part of the Seahawks, Jadeveon Clowney had the opportunity to witness the greatness of the San Francisco 49ers defense that brought the team to the Super Bowl.
As a part of his fourth team in the last four years, Clowney is excited about the potential of the 2021 Cleveland Browns defense:
Clowney said potential Browns defense reminds him of 49ers the year they made Super Bowl. DC Joe Woods was DB coach of that defense.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) June 16, 2021
Joe Woods has a pretty decent resume in recent history:
- Defensive backs coach for the Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos
- Defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in 2019
- Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator since 2020
Woods, who spent a decent amount of time of his coaching career with the Minnesota Vikings (2006-2013), has had varying success over the years.
His Browns defense in 2020 did not have the best performance.
In the majority of major defensive categories, Cleveland finished in the bottom half of the league.
In seven regular season games last year, the Browns allowed at least 30 points.
The Browns allowed the 21st-most points and 17th-most yards in the league last season.
So, why does Clowney think the 2021 Browns will be able to have a defense like the 2019 NFC champion 49ers?
The Browns Front Four is Strong
Clowney, who was looking very fast on the field with Myles Garrett recently, is enthused by his front four:
“A rotational group that guys can get in, backups can come in and play just as good as the ones, even better. Any time you’ve got that going on, it’s a good group. I’m looking forward to it. It reminds me of San Fran a couple years ago that went to the Super Bowl with that defense. I’m thinking we can do that up front.”
With Clowney now on the opposite side of Garrett, the Browns will be able to generate pressure from both sides.
As long as Clowney stays healthy, defenses should not have the ability to double-team Garrett.
The Browns finished in the middle of the pack in sacks in 2020, but Garrett made his second Pro Bowl.
Garrett also was a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2020, the first of his storied career.
The duo of first overall NFL draft picks will look to be the leaders of an improved front four.
The additions of Takkarist McKinley and Malik Jackson should help as well.
Not only did Andrew Berry bolster the Browns defensive line, but he also made other defensive additions.
The Browns Also Made Great Defensive Additions Elsewhere
The additions of Anthony Walker, John Johnson, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Greg Newsome will be important for a Browns defense that needs to improve for 2021.
Both safety Grant Delpit and cornerback Greedy Williams are looking to come back from their respective 2020 injuries and make an impact.
Delpit, whom the Browns drafted No. 44 overall in 2020, did not get the chance to play a game last year.
Unless he gets caught by the injury bug again, he should be able to help a defense that sorely needed him last year.
Overall, the Browns have Joe Woods at the helm, and there are a lot of positive vibes coming from this defense.
Cleveland has high expectations for 2021, and if this defense can play well, then those and Clowney’s expectations may be met.
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