Browns defense's flawless performance against Ravens a case of too little too late

Cleveland Browns fans are wondering where this defense has been all year. "This defense" refers to the unit's performance on Saturday in a dominant 13-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Tyler Huntley was in at quarterback for the Ravens and was harassed all day, taking three sacks and plenty of hits in snowy conditions in Cleveland. On a day when the offense only mustered 13 points, the defense saved the day.

Yet the win only pushed the team to a 6-8 record and time is running out in the playoff race. Unfortunately, things are clicking in this season way too late.

The Browns defense has too many regrets in 2022

Baltimore Ravens v Cleveland Browns

The plan heading into 2022 was to hover around the .500 mark until Deshaun Watson could return. That meant the defense was set to play a big role if the team was going to make the postseason. Instead, they allowed 30 points or more in five games, including a disastrous Week 2 collapse against the New York Jets.

Fans have been calling for the team to fire defensive coordinator Joe Woods for weeks, only for his group to finally come alive about a week before Christmas.

A win to get to 6-8 does keep slim playoff hopes alive, but more than anything, the team is seeking positives heading into 2023. Players and coaches alike are fighting for their jobs and holding a Ravens team to three points is impressive, even when considering the fact Lamar Jackson was out.

The key now is to keep up this performance next week against a New Orleans Saints team without a solid option at quarterback. This defense has too much talent to falter against subpar talent in the quarterback position.

The Browns are a team that will be led by Watson for years to come. It appears his presence has given the defense a boost as well. Whether that carries over into the next three games remains to be seen. If it does, the defense can put the early-season woes behind it and focus on a new identity in 2023.

The front office in Cleveland must also avoid getting too caught up in game-to-game performances, instead focusing on the season as a whole. That means changes will surely come in 2023, with a focus on plugging holes throughout the unit. While the Ravens only scored three points, J.K. Dobbins ran all over the Browns with 125 yards on 13 carries. That number should be seen as a massive concern once the thrill of the victory wears off.