Outlook on continuing the defensive success
The Browns have had one of the top defenses in the league over the last few seasons, ranking fourth in the NFL in total defense in 2025. Since 2023, the Browns rank first in total yards per game, opponent first downs allowed per game, third down percentage, fourth down percentage, total passing yards per game and first downs per pass attempt. They have the most team tackles for loss at 342, are third in team sacks at 143 and tied for second with eight defensive touchdowns.
But their defense saw key changes in the offseason, including a new defensive coordinator in Mike Rutenberg, and the trade of Myles Garrett in exchange for DE Jared Verse. They drafted two rookie defensive players in LB Justin Jefferson and McNeil-Warren. But they also kept veteran cornerstones by extending both CB Denzel Ward and S Grant Delpit, cementing them as pieces of the defense for the future.
Even with the changes, the Browns have emphasized wanting to still play with the attacking front of the past few seasons and utilize the skillsets of their secondary to lock down opposing offenses.
“We’re really excited about Rudy and what he’s doing,” Johnson said. “We’re really not changing much of the scheme. But being top five in the NFL in defense is tough to repeat every year. We hope we’re there. If we drop a little bit, it could happen. But like we said, we’ve got a good young core. We’ve got a lot of good veterans here, and we’re excited about the staff and what they’re doing. So, our expectations for the defense are high. And I think you guys have seen the last couple of days they’re flying around and look like they’re in midseason form. We want them to play at a high level, and so do they.”