Browns defense still work in progress

Cleveland's new defense coordinator Dave Campo brought in a new system.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- For the past month, Browns safety Earl Little has faced countless questions about the team's defense.
On Thursday night, he was ready for them.
"Look, I don't want to be smart, but you have to realize this is a new defense and the offense has been the same for three years," Little said following a 20-9 preseason win over Atlanta. "Obviously, the offense is going to be clicking.
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that."
So far, the team's biggest adjustment during training camp hasn't come from a new quarterback. It's come from a new coach.
Browns coach Butch Davis hired Dave Campo as the team's new defensive coordinator this offseason to replace Foge Fazio, who was fired after the playoff collapse to the Steelers.
Campo brought in a new system -- and the Browns' defense is still a work in progress.
Still learning system
"The guys are really coming together learning the new system," said defensive lineman Mark Word. "We are starting to pick up momentum towards the regular season."
Well, sort of.
Cleveland's defense looked awful through its first three preseason games -- all losses -- as Steve McNair (Titans), Brett Favre (Packers) and Joey Harrington (Lions) shredded the Browns' secondary.
It wasn't until Thursday's game against the Michael Vick-less Falcons that things improved. Atlanta did not score until late in the second quarter -- long after the Browns had removed their first string.
"We're still working out the kinks," Browns safety Robert Griffith, who missed the first three games with a finger injury, said. "The defense is new to everybody. We took a step forward [Thursday] to getting it down pat."
The biggest adjustment has been at linebacker. After cutting Earl Holmes and Dwayne Rudd in the offseason, the Browns are relying on Andra Davis, Kevin Bentley and Ben Taylor to step in quickly.
They've received a lot of criticism -- some of it justified -- but Little said it's just going to take time.
"This game is not as easy as you think," Little said. "If it was, a lot more people would be playing. We're improving. I can definitely see steps, but we're breaking down at times.
"We're not where we want to be, but trust me, we'll be ready for [the opener]."
Host Colts Sunday
They better be. The Browns will play host to the Indianapolis Colts, who have three of the best offensive players in the NFL: quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Edgerrin James and wideout Marvin Harrison.
"Guys are hungry," Word said. "We are going to take the momentum from this last preseason game and try to take them down."
But that's just step one. The Browns have loftier goals.
"We want to go to the Super Bowl and win it," wideout Quincy Morgan said. "Last year, we were trying to make the playoffs and did it. Now, we want to do more than just make the playoffs, we want to win the Super Bowl.
"We have enough firepower and talent to do that."
But if the Browns are to make it back to the playoffs, they will have to rely heavily on their offense. Despite losing left tackle Ross Verba, Cleveland are rich in talented position players and should have no trouble scoring points.
"Offensively, we are playing well and moving the ball," punter Chris Gardocki said. "The defense is starting to come around, and special teams are playing well.
"Our attitude is much better, especially the way we came out [Thursday]. Hopefully, that will carry into [this] week."
scalzo@vindy.com