NFL

Browns fire defensive coordinator Joe Woods

By Sports Desk January 09, 2023

The Cleveland Browns have fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods following their disappointing 2022 season.

Woods was hired in 2020 when Kevin Stefanski took over as head coach, and their partnership quickly produced results as the Browns reached the Divisional round of the AFC playoffs in Stefanski's first season.

But the Browns have since failed to replicate their success of 2020 and followed up an 8-9 2021 campaign by going 7-10 in 2022.

The Cleveland defense fared well in 2021, finishing 13th by points allowed and fifth by yards allowed.

Those numbers dropped off significantly in 2022, with the Browns 20th by points allowed and 14th in yards allowed.

A significant problem area for the Browns was giving up explosive plays. They conceded 65 plays of 20 yards or more; only 10 teams allowed more.

The Browns also struggled to defend the run, giving up 135.2 yards per game on the ground, with Cleveland ranked 25th in that regard.

"I'd like to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication in his three seasons as our defensive coordinator," Stefanski said.

"I will always have the utmost respect for Joe, the person and the coach.

"Unfortunately, we didn't perform up to our standards enough this season, and we all share in that responsibility.

"We all wish Joe and his family the best in the future."

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    "Jonathan's situation is super simple. We are very happy to have him with us. 

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    PLAYERS TO WATCH

    Ipswich Town - Liam Delap

    Delap scored what proved to be Ipswich's winner against Tottenham and has now netted six of his side's 12 Premier League goals this term.

    That makes the Manchester City academy product one of only three players to have scored at least half of his side's goals in the competition this season, along with Erling Haaland at City (55%) and Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest (53%).

    Manchester United - Alejandro Garnacho

    Garnacho was among the scorers against Leicester two weeks ago and has now been directly involved in 20 Premier League goals for United (13 goals and seven assists).

    The Argentina international is one of only two non-British players to reach that figure for United before turning 21, along with Cristiano Ronaldo (25 goals).

    MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

    Ipswich are seeking back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since February 2022, with that run also beginning with a 2-1 victory against Tottenham.

    The Tractor Boys are the only side in the competition without a home win this season. Only five newly promoted clubs have failed to win any of their first six home matches, all of whom went back down.

    United have won 17 of their past 19 Premier League games against newly promoted opponents, meanwhile, including nine wins in a row in away fixtures.

    The Red Devils were 1-0 winners on their most recent league trip to Portman Road in April 2022, but only once have they won successive league games away to Ipswich.

    However, the Tractor Boys have lost four of their past five league matches against Man United, failing to score in each of those losses.

    OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

    Ipswich Town - 22.2%

    Draw - 23%

    Manchester United - 54.8%

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