CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns’ defense has shouldered the load for this team.

But they collapsed under it in the fourth quarter against Minnesota. QB Carson Wentz led a 10-play, 80-yard drive for the game-winning touchdown, practically ending the game with just 25 seconds left to play. It was a disappointing result for a defense looking to mirror — or even exceed — a historic 2023 season.

This defense is elite at its “fastball” as defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has said. Outside the red zone, the Browns dominate with their proven formula: elite four-man pass rush + elite man coverage.

It’s an aggressively simple scheme that often punishes lesser talent.

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