Browns linebacker Jamie Collins (51) and defensive end Myles Garrett pursue Steelers running back James Conner in the 2018 season opener at FirstEnergy Stadium. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns' defensive performance in 2018 can be tough to properly place in context.

On one hand, the group allowed the 30th-most overall yards, and 28th-most rushing yards.

But they forced a high amount of turnovers and kept opposing offenses out of the end zone a decent portion of the season.

Although their basic statistics tell you the defense ranks near the bottom of the league, it placed 12th in Football Outsiders DVOA metric, which looks to give a more holistic look at how the defense impacts winning. Without a doubt, the Browns' turnover success played a big part in the rankings.

The problem is that, for the most part, turnovers come with high variance and they can be relatively unpredictable from year to year.

The Browns will have to fix their run defense, and the issues seem to point to two levels -- interior defensive line, and linebacker play.

The Ravens ran for 296 yards Sunday, and although their offense is built on unusual responsibilities for an opponent's linebackers, the Browns' problems were obvious and have been for the most part of 2018.

The Browns just aren't getting enough production from the linebacker group -- the group that is being paid the highest amount on the defense.

Let's look at what the film tells us about who should be here in 2019.

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JAMIE COLLINS

The Browns acquired Jamie Collins from New England in the midst of the 2016 season. Collins' $12.5 million salary for the 2018 season ranks him sixth among the NFL's linebackers -- even more than the league's best linebacker, Carolina's Luke Kuechly,

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Run Defense

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Can't take much more of this. Browns are in position to handle this reverse but then Philip Rivers handles Jamie Collins blocking on the reverse to pick up the first down. Collins is retreating against a QB. What a day Sunday was for this defense. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/qhLWFInXu5 — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 15, 2018

Collins' issues boil down from week to week at times. There are games where he flashes dominance, and games where he looks lethargic and unwilling to do the simple tasks. It's safe to say Collins simply seems to get bored at times.

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Jamie Collins graded out as the Browns worst defensive player. When I referenced it last night, this was why. Watch him jump back inside and open the alley for the outside zone to hit. That cut-back lane is not his concern. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/0sOvHo0VeE — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 21, 2018

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Next snap for Pittsburgh where they go zone w Nix leading on the backside LB. Collins does a nice job defeating Nix but whiffs on Conner and it turns into a 10 yard gain. Need him to make this play. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/WXLZhuZdjW — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 10, 2018

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Monday Film Review kicks off with the game's opening play from scrimmage. Not a surprise to see Baltimore go Pin/Pull to open the game after Oakland killed the Browns with it the week prior. Works again here as Collins ducks inside and opens a running lane. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/LVYEmo768R — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 8, 2018

Collins' problem is that he is too often easily walled off against oncoming blockers. Collins allows opposing linemen to get into his chest too easily and dictate his body angle. He rarely defeats blocks while maintaining gap responsibility, and it leads to open running lanes for running backs.

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Browns have to punt again. Things are getting desperate - need a play to be made to get the ball again. Excellent work from Jamie Collins shooting a gap. He played well. I want nothing more than for him to return to elite form. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/Ayis6nxRtM — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 11, 2018

If Collins' down lineman in front of him can keep him clean, he has a nose for the football. The problem is that in the NFL, linebackers are rarely kept clean from zone and gap linemen.

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Broncos go with the same FLY sweep/toss action the #Browns have been using and it's like Jamie Collins had seen it a time or two. Excellent work breaking this up quick with the TFL. He played well last night. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/Stg938tuT9 — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) December 16, 2018

When Collins provides a splash play, it is usually when he is walked up on the line of scrimmage to hold an edge. He isn't all too effective at it, but his best tackles for loss came from this alignment in 2018.

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Jamie Collins makes a solid play on this FLY action toss. He stays home, defeats the block and makes the TFL. I want Collins to play well. He did Sunday. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/AuDNNc7RC0 — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) November 12, 2018

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Jamie Collins with some excellent work on back to back plays. Does a nice job on the FLY sweep to DeSean shooting the gap responsibility, then does more solid work dropping into the crosser for the INT. Not sure how Jameis missed him but we'll take it. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/APokRHfUoC — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 22, 2018

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Ravens go empty on 3rd down here and this sack is on Lamar. He has to know he is HOT off that side and throw it before Collins gets home. Nice call from Williams to put the pressure on the rookie Q to make this choice. His processing is slow on these. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/nuCZk0Idx5 — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) December 31, 2018

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Pass Coverage

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Bills first snap with Josh Allen under-center. They go PA Slant (simple concept). Allen doesn’t see Jamie Collins creep into the window. Would like to see Collins make a play on the ball here. #Browns pic.twitter.com/FZFzZswqQB — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) August 18, 2018

According to Pro Football Focus, Collins graded out at 59.8 in pass coverage in 2018. He is a natural athlete, but too often finds himself in awkward positions. He is best in zone and not man-to-man coverage, but in his zone you will see Collins just doesn't have a natural feel for it. He did have one interception on the season, but he missed chances for more.

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I would imagine Jamie Collins is sick watching this one. Jumps the out route and it should have been a pick-6. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/SFHuOBZlB9 — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) November 26, 2018

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Pretty sure Jamie Collins had a beat on this deep dig from Hopkins but simply over-ran the read. Nonetheless a great throw from Watson in a closing window. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/QLVqhNoL1h — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) December 3, 2018

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Conclusion

The problem for Collins is his production doesn't align with salary. Hurt for most of the 2017 season, Collins has yet to live up to the four-year, $50 million extension he inked back in early 2017.

The Browns have a chance to save $10.5 million by letting Collins go this offseason, with a minimal dead cap hold on the Browns' overall financial picture. The cap hit to keep him will be much higher than he is likely valued.

General manager John Dorsey will have a tough choice to make here with Collins, who seems beloved in the locker room, but who appears to have his best days behind him.

Verdict: Gone in 2019

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JOE SCHOBERT

Drafted as an outside linebacker out of Wisconsin, Schobert has become a very solid Mike (middle) linebacker under Gregg Williams. He was a huge key for the defense and his absence was felt when he missed several games with a hamstring injury.

Williams noted how vital he is presnap with play calls and communication, but he is equally important in allowing others to play where they fit best. He anchors the middle really well and was especially tough against the pass. According to Pro Football Focus, Schobert's run defense grade was just 55.1, but in Williams' scheme he is tasked with tough run-game responsibility from depth.

Let's look at how he fared in '18.

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Run Defense

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Joe Schobert comes up big on 3rd and 4th down here. Plugs the play side A to stop Coleman short, then covers the angle route to near perfection to force the incompletion on 4th.



The heart and soul of the Browns defense. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/y7YLoX14sz — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) November 12, 2018

When Schobert gets downhill, he is a menace for opposing offenses. His closing speed and nose for the ball are typically top notch. Most of his flash plays in the run game come from him attacking downhill on his run read.

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Joe Schobert is such a difference maker for this defense. Reads run and closes at a ridiculous pace to blow Mixon up in the backfield for the TFL. He is a top flight MIKE LB. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/zRaNJOKnOt — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) November 26, 2018

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Nice work from Schobert here on 3rd down to dissect this toss. He gets downhill quickly to make the play on Coleman in the hole. It was a welcome sight to see him back on Sunday. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/fDuBqcz0kP — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) November 12, 2018

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Lamar's first rushing TD now. Ravens go Power/Read and Schobert loses discipline. Collins playing the back down the line which leads to clean up from Schobert but he is hopping outside. Peppers in the ball park as well. Just takes one false step against Lamar. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/Ns6tLeqMdT — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) December 31, 2018

In the Browns' defensive structure, they often asked the Mike to play from depth, and when Schobert was asked to do so he struggled. He doesn't have the natural strength necessary to beat blocks downfield (which is never easy for any linebacker), and he struggled with taking the correct angle yards.

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Ravens again go to the stretch and Jamie Collins gets walled off going inside, creates a lane, and Schobert over-pursues and whiffs. Off to the races at that point. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/0uq9g2MI4w — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 8, 2018

Schobert's biggest issue in 2018 was his tackling. He finished with just a 29.7 grade in the tackling department and missed a total of 15 tackles. It is the weakest part of his game currently and is a slight cause for concern. He will need to bounce back in 2019.

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Browns eventually punt. Chargers first possession now. Myles Garrett slants and nobody scrapes where he vacated. Jamie Collins takes outside course reading OZ(?) in exchange and Schobert is run by. Gaping hole here and we saw plenty for the LAC on Sunday. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/iTWYKnVvg2 — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 15, 2018

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Ravens next possession ends at midfield with a great effort by Schobert. Ravens have John Brown open on the middle cross and Flacco goes to it but Schobert gets a hand on the ball. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/aYGHyp90An — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 8, 2018

Schobert did some of his best work when blitzing. He racked up three sacks and two QB hits, and 13 pressures. When Schobert gets attacking downhill after the quarterback, he closes quickly and defeats pass blocks well.

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Ravens next possession ends at midfield with a great effort by Schobert. Ravens have John Brown open on the middle cross and Flacco goes to it but Schobert gets a hand on the ball. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/aYGHyp90An — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 8, 2018

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This one is fun. Just watch how quick Genard Avery turns the corner - his bend is ridiculous. It forces Ben up in the pocket and Joe Schobert displays tremendous effort to make the play despite the James Conner bear hug tackle. Excellent effort all around. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/yLuVY07SJX — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 11, 2018

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Big 3rd&2 on Pittsburgh's next possession. Holding happens every play, I get it, but Conner bear hugs and tackles Schobert here right in front of the back judge. Give Ben that break and this kind of time, and this is what happens. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/0zkqvha71s — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 10, 2018

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#Browns punt after the illegal motion penalty. To get Cincy off the field after their fake punt, Williams dials A-gap pressure and between the back and Billy Price, nobody picks Schobert up. Price really looked over-matched most of the day. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/gzACsiEF4h — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) December 24, 2018

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Pass Coverage

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Schobert jumps the swing screen for the TFL. Great recognition and closing speed. #Browns defense came out playing fast. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/JmFsAwl4Wx — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) December 16, 2018

Schobert's pass coverage grade was one of the league's best. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out at 87.7 -- second-best in the league, and an NFL-best 0.42 yards allowed per snap in coverage. He does a really nice job reading patterns, and when he's asked to run deep middle, he is effective in Tampa-2 coverage (two deep safeties).

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Browns actually kept the opposing TE in check on Sunday. Nice effort from Joe Schobert tracking him after the Browns send the edge rush. Patient in letting him choose his path and track him on the correct hip and makes the play. Well done. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/C4eDmPOMqv — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 17, 2018

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JOE SCHOBERT WITH THE TAKEAWAY‼️ pic.twitter.com/tDO6d7R4Aa — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 21, 2018

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Conclusion

Schobert is a key part of the defense moving forward -- regardless of which coordinator is calling it, or what scheme they use. His athleticism is a key tool, and his cerebral approach and communication help.

The tackling, however, will have to improve. There is variance there, so don't be surprised if it does.

Going into year three he is still very affordable working on a cheap rookie contract. The Browns will likely extend him at some point after the 2019 season, and barring a collapse in performance he will be in Cleveland for a good portion of his career.

Verdict: Back for 2019 and beyond

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CHRISTIAN KIRKSEY

Kirksey has been the longest-tenured Brown since the departure of Joe Thomas. He is a staple to the public in terms of player awareness and is a prominent figure in the city, and seen as a leader for the team.

The problem is this: The play performance has been bad now for two years. Kirksey has struggled in Gregg Williams' scheme, and in his seven games he only graded out above 70 once, and was below 30 twice. He finished the year with a cumulative 46.1 grade, and that score is well below replacement for his position.

It was Kirksey's lowest grade for a season in his career by far. He was beat up early with shoulder and ankle injuries, then ran into it again in Week 9 when his season ended early due to a hamstring injury.

Let's see how he fared in his brief 2018 season.

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Run Defense

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This is where I felt like it was getting away from them on these two runs. Too easily getting walled off up front and sticking to blocks on the second level (Kirksey/Collins). Mitchell can't miss that unblocked tackle attempt on the TD run in clip 2. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/kCqvjhc1ya — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 11, 2018

Far too often, Kirksey is slow to react and process the run game in front of him. He took false steps in 2018 that led to poor run-game results.

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#Browns consistently bad run fits continue.



O running basic OZ. D is in 2-hi with the CBs playing force. Watch Kirksey (#58).



Likely due to "bad eyes" (not reading keys) he plays the QB bootleg instead of the run. If he pursues correctly he is in position to play the cutback. pic.twitter.com/OdyEsSVcXP — All22ChalkTalk (@All22ChalkTalk) November 6, 2018

Kirksey is aligned on the backside of the run here, and watch him make two completely false steps and never pursue the outside zone path, which allows for the easy run lane.

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The play prior to the safety here. Nice work from Kirksey to shoot a gap and make the play in the end zone. Narrowly misses the safety as the ball barely crosses the goal line. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/iRShxTLct0 — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 22, 2018

Kirksey still flashed that downhill ability that he has become known for in his career. He will need to play more attacking moving forward in his career to make up for what could become declining health and athleticism.

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Pass Coverage

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Chiefs then covert on 3rd & 20 with a screen to end the 1Q. Toward the GL now....isolate Kelce against Kirksey (favorable KC matchup) and he creates the separation on the Corner/Post for a TD here. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/MZjkYLAGZy — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) November 5, 2018

Kirksey's coverage grade was 49.2, and he allowed 1.63 yards per cover snap, which was worst in the NFL. He was a liability when asked to cover for a good portion of the season, and especially in man-to-man coverage situations.

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Knew Pittsburgh would come back to it. Catch the Browns in the cov they want & run IZ/Slant again & it works this time with a bit more patience from the slot & better ball from Ben. The IZ fake holds Kirksey down for that split second to open the window. Deflating. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/xTKuLpPyCC — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) September 11, 2018

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Winston's first INT. TB goes 4-verts and Kirksey does a nice job hanging up the hash to drop under Winston's throw. Nice play, but pushed back by a really unnecessary peel back block by Ogbah at the end. No excuse for this stuff. Little things. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/yw8xLDnAaK — BrownsFilmBreakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) October 22, 2018

Kirksey did have one interception when the Bucs' Jameis Winston handed him this ball on the seam route. Kirksey seemed more comfortable in zone situations than in man coverage.

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Conclusion

Kirksey's play has declined over the last few seasons, but he has flashed the ability be a steady NFL linebacker. His health is a key factor. The contract is nearly impossible to trade, and the Browns would be on the hook for $10.6 million in dead cap if they were to cut Kirksey before the 2019 season.

After 2019, the dead cap number becomes less of an issue as it is down near $2 million for 2020.

Odds are the Browns will run it back with Kirksey one more time, and hope he finds the level of success he had before Williams' arrival. The coordinator running the defense will also be vital to Kirksey's future as well.

Verdict: Back for 2019

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The Browns' offense appears to be safe of any urgent needs.

They can certainly upgrade their situations, but they don't have an immediate need if they are able to bring back both left tackle Greg Robinson and receiver Breshad Perriman. The focus will be fixing the needs on the defensive side of the ball.

The interior of the defensive line can be solved in a strong draft class, but fixing the linebacker issues comes with higher risk.

Both Collins and Kirksey are beyond athletic enough for success, but they seem to lack the awareness in this current defense to maximize their roles. Could that change under a new defensive coordinator? Of course it could, but that is something we have to wait and see.

With Collins' dead cap and overall contract for 2018, it makes sense for the Browns to move on from him. They can likely replace his production, and can find a way to change the role he filled.

The Browns will hope for a more stable return from Kirksey.

In an ideal world, only two linebackers see the field a majority of the time. In modern football, and the emphasis on passing game, it makes more sense for four down linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs. The Browns can look for a major upgrade at linebacker by saving on Collins' contract, or investing some capital in the middle rounds of the draft.

Genard Avery is best suited as an edge rusher and occasional drop guy in coverage, so including him as a true linebacker for the rest of his career would be a mistake. He is a high-performing situational player.

The Browns can lock Schobert up long-term moving forward and possibly address the outside linebacker opposite Schobert this off-season.

Look for moves to occur at the second level of the defense.

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* Stats courtesy of John Kosko of Pro Football Focus

Jake Burns played quarterback at the collegiate level and also has coached at both the high school and college levels. You can read more X&O analysis from Burns at the OBRand VikingUpdate.com.