The Sack is back in Cleveland for Resurgent Browns
By Jason Marcum
The sack is a beautiful thing to see in an NFL game, but it’s unfortunately not been seen enough in Cleveland over the years. Since their NFL return in 1999, only the Houston Texans have fewer sacks (347) than the Browns (440), and they didn’t enter the NFL until 2002.
Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas believes the teams’ new blitz-happy defense under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton is “willing to bring the house”
"I think this defense is going to take more risks. I think (Steelers defensive coordinator) Dick Lebeau is less likely to take a risk and give up a big play with a blitz or a pressure than our coordinator Ray Horton. He’s more willing to try to hit the quarterback and force an interception, force a turnover."
If the Browns are able to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks more in 2013, defenses end/linebacker Jabaal Sheard will be a key contributor. In his first two seasons in the NFL, he’s logged 8.5 sacks his rookie year and seven sacks in year two. While he is not putting up Aldon Smith numbers, playing on a defensive line with very few threats to get to the quarterback and posting over 15 sacks in two seasons is pretty impressive.