Browns hearth defensive coordinator Joe Woods following 3 seasons

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Woods took the fall for the Cleveland Browns slipping flat yet again.

Cleveland fired its embattled defensive coordinator on Monday as his group’s interaction troubles and lack of ability to stop the operate experienced a significant job in the Browns finishing 7-10 and lacking the playoffs for the second straight time.

The 52-yr-aged Woods was 1 of Kevin Stefanski’s very first hires in 2020. Cleveland’s defense experienced problems from the opener, major to the Browns’ 17th double-digit loss period given that the franchise’s expansion rebirth in 1999.

Stefanski, who was greatly criticized for his enjoy-calling, was spared in a time formed by quarterback Deshaun Watson’s 11-video game NFL suspension.

“I’d like to thank Joe for his tough work and dedication in his three seasons as our defensive coordinator,” Stefanski mentioned. “I will normally have the utmost regard for Joe, the particular person and the mentor.

“Unfortunately, we did not execute up to our specifications sufficient this time, and we all share in that accountability.”

Woods was under fireplace all season and he sensed his dismissal last week, telling reporters, “I hope I get to speak to you guys once again,” as he left his weekly news convention.

With Woods in charge, Cleveland’s defense, while gifted on paper, didn’t create.

The Browns were being in particular susceptible to the run, obtaining gashed for massive plays on the ground virtually each 7 days as groups turned to a demonstrated formulation.

Woods under no circumstances ducked accountability or made excuses regardless of a rash of accidents, most notably at middle linebacker.

Starters Anthony Walker Jr., Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Jacob Phillips and Sione Takitaki all sustained time-ending injuries, forcing Woods to engage in inexperienced linebackers and general supervisor Andrew Berry to provide in outdoors enable.

The Browns’ move protection collapsed late in a 7 days 2 reduction to the New York Jets, who rallied from 13 factors down in the last two minutes.

The difficulty resurfaced in Sunday’s 28-14 decline at Pittsburgh as Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Picket threw a landing pass to a wide-open George Pickens with Cleveland’s defensive backs confused on coverage.

Tale continues

Woods also had to deal with star defensive close Myles Garrett playing harm for a lot of the season with a sprained shoulder suffered in a September car or truck crash. Woods’ last week involved defensive close Jadeveon Clowney becoming despatched house right after he criticized the corporation and coaching staff members.

Clowney was inactive for the finale and did not make the vacation to Pittsburgh.

Cleveland’s defense enhanced some all through the season’s second 50 %, but there wasn’t more than enough progress to conserve Woods.

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