It looks like defensive coordinate Foge Fazio and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton are on their way out. I support these moves for many reasons:
–The defense was responsible for second-half collapses against the Steelers and Colts.
–All too often, the D was not able to make mid-game adjustments or counter the opposition’s adjustments.
–Of those Browns who underachieved this year (low output compared to talent, draft position and/or salary), nearly all of them were defensive players: Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Dwayne Rudd, and Anthony Henry.
–Porous rush defense (sixth worst in the league). Only Seattle allowed more runs of 20-plus yards than the Browns’ 17.
–Lack of pressure on the QBs: only 28 sacks ranked fifth worst in the league and dead last among winning teams.
If the rumors turn out correct and former Cowboys coach Dave Campo is hired as defensive coordinator, it will be interesting to see what happens to linebacker Darren Hambrick, who fell into Campo’s doghouse in Dallas and was eventually cut. Given that Dwayne Rudd is almost certainly a goner, those three rookie LBs may be expected to play a key role in next year’s defense.