Browns' Jim Schwartz: "They Don't Give Out Trophies for Five Weeks"

Jim Schwartz took the podium before the Browns' Week 7 matchup in Indianapolis and quickly squashed the early defensive hype.

The addition of Jim Schwartz to the Cleveland Browns coaching staff is arguably the most important move the team made in the offseason. Schwartz has not only brought a nearly perfect scheme to Cleveland, but he has unleashed the personality of the defense and this team.

Cleveland's defense is playing at a truly historic level so far this season. As a unit, they are giving up a mere 200.4 yards per game. The next best team in the league? The Baltimore Ravens, who give up 260.8 yards per game. 

Aug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz walks to the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports / © Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Through five games the Browns have only surrendered 1,002 total yards ... that's unheard of.

The stats are incredible, but what fans seem to be most intrigued with is the way that he has totally unlocked the personality of this defense and this team. 

If you haven't noticed it by now, just watch how these guys respond after they make a play. They dance with each other, they high five, they chestbump and they are genuinely happy for each other. It is so awesome to watch. And it's something that the coaching staff is actively watching and encouraging them to do.

Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (22) and cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) celebrate after play during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns have been playing so well that they've become the talk of the NFL. The Browns defense has been a story on every single talk show and national halftime show and it is deserved. There also doesn't seem to be much concern that they wouldn't keep this going. Schwartz shared some great perspective on the early success.

“Well, they don’t give out any trophies for five weeks. I think we all know that. It’s a long season, and we’re going to have to survive a lot of highs and lows throughout the season."

Jim Schwartz has been there and done that. He is one of the most successful coordinators in the history of football and he is looking to add to his resume. 

You can bet that he will not let this defense read its press clippings and slip up. Not on his watch.