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What They're Saying

Eagles ready to battle against talented Browns defensive front | What They're Saying

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz spent five seasons in Philadelphia

The Browns offensive line prepares to snap the ball against the Philadelphia defensive front in their 2020 matchup.
The Browns offensive line prepares to snap the ball against the Philadelphia defensive front in their 2020 matchup.

Some of the older players, including QB Jalen Hurts and RT Lane Johnson, on the Eagles have a familiarity with the Browns defense that not many in the NFL can claim.

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz spent five seasons, from 2016 to 2020, as the Eagles defensive coordinator, winning the Super Bowl in 2017. His last season in Philadelphia was Hurts' first as a pro.

Although the two only spent one season going against each other in practice, Schwartz has left a lasting impact on the now-veteran quarterback.

"He's a really good coach. His energy, I know he holds his defense to a high standard," Hurts said on Wednesday. "He's got a good swagger, and I have a lot of respect for him. Obviously, the Browns have great players, a great front seven. They're a great defense led by a great coach."

Leading the Browns defense on the field is reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year DE Myles Garrett, who has four sacks this season despite battling various lower body injuries.

Hurts has never played in a game against Garrett, but the Browns defensive line and Eagles offensive line battled in training camp joint practices in 2023. Eagles LT Jordan Mailata recalled the joint practice sessions, calling Garrett a "specimen."

"It's hard to find a weak spot in Myles game," Mailata said on Thursday. "But we have a good game plan this week."

Check out photos of the team working to prepare for their game this week against the Philadelphia Eagles at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus

Johnson was in Philadelphia for each of the five years Schwartz led the defense. He was highly complimentary of both Schwartz's scheme as well as the depth of pass rushers the Browns have at their disposal.

"These guys are jet rushers up the field," Johnson said on Thursday. "I think they have the best one in the league in Myles. Za'Darius (Smith) is another great edge rusher and (Dalvin) Tomlinson in the middle. So, they do a good job of attacking the edges and creating a lot of pressure. I got to practice against Schwartz's style for a long time. So, they're very good at what they do, good at getting to the football."

On the other side of the ball, DE Brandon Graham was asked about going against a Browns offensive line that has struggled to stay healthy this season.

The Browns returned starting LT Jedrick Wills Jr. last week but will be without C Ethan Pocic, who is out for Sunday's game. RG Wyatt Teller was placed on the injured reserve list in Week 3, forcing rookie Zak Zinter to start at right guard. RT Jack Conklin is expected to play on Sunday, per head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Graham, who will play his 200th career game on Sunday, said that the Eagles defensive line is still preparing for the challenge of going against the Cleveland offensive line this week.

"You don't ever know until you get to the game, how they've fixed their issues," Graham said on Thursday. "Every team that plays us knows that we're all about the D-line and the sacks and it seems like they just play us different. So, we just got to go out there and play."

Check out photos of the Browns against the Washington Commanders in Week 5

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