Above all else, Browns’ defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg wants to help the Browns win with their defense. It’s a mindset that was instilled in him by Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich, including during the 2025 season when he was Atlanta’s defensive pass game coordinator.
“I learned that from Jeff Ulbrich,” Rutenberg said. “Raheem Morris used to say, ‘help the team win on defense. Find a way to help the team win, on defense.’ It’s a team game, we’re a team staff, Browns helping Browns, man. I want to help this team win.”
The Browns’ defense will take that mentality into their Week 1 matchup with the Jaguars, where one key factor towards achieving their goal will be slowing down QB Trevor Lawrence and his dual threat capabilities. Lawrence excelled as both a passer and rusher last season, helping lead Jacksonville to a 13-4 record.
On the ground, Lawrence totaled 359 yards in 2025, the most in a single season in his career and 10th amongst quarterbacks. Lawrence also scored nine rushing touchdowns, tied with QB Jaxson Dart for second-most amongst signal callers in the NFL.