Jojo Doria

So far the Cleveland Browns' new offense has been garnering most of the attention surrounding the team but their new defense is starting to catch up as well.

With strong performances against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions so far in the preseason, it looks like the offense's switch to a West Coast Offense is going to be a smooth one.

The Browns are also switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense and Dick Jauron's unit is starting to get it.

During Sunday's practice the defense was sharp and shut down quarterback Colt McCoy and the first team offense in a two minute drill. The defense will get another test Thursday in Philadelphia when they take on the Eagles and their explosive offense.

McCoy has emerged as the leader on offense and he has been good so far in the preseason. The Cleveland defense is young and will look to veterans Scott Fujita, D'Qwell Jackson, Sheldon Brown, and Mike Adams for leadership.

Fujita played linebacker in a 4-3 with the Saints before coming to the Browns last season so he will be called on to help in the defense's switch in philosophy.

Jackson looks to be back after missing most of the last two seasons due to separate pectoral injuries. The linebacker has been strong in camp and looks to be responding well to the defensive switch and in his recovery from injury.

"I think he's playing really, really good football right now. He's the leader of that defense and he's been very productive," new Browns coach Pat Schumur said. "I don't know about injuries in the past, but I feel like he's doing a good job. He's playing a healthy brand of ball right now.

"He's a guy that can move real well. He's very instinctive; he can slip a block as well as take one on and then, he's nifty in match-up and pass-coverage. I feel like he's a terrific fit for the way we play."

NFL 2011 - Cleveland Browns Defense Improving as Test with Eagles Awaits