3 Keys for the Browns' defense against the Jaguars in Week 1

After a long offseason full of drama and changes, the Cleveland Browns and newly hired head coach Todd Monken will look to make a statement this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week One of the 2026-27 NFL season.

Last year, the Jaguars won the AFC South with an impressive 13-4 regular-season record. The strong showing last season was partly due to the stout offensive play down the stretch, which means the Browns ' defense must be firing on all cylinders this weekend.

Here are the three keys for the Browns defense as they take on the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.

The Jaguars' offense in year one under head coach Liam Coen took major leaps in 2025, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the key facilitator.

Jacksonville averaged 222.3 passing yards per game last season, which ranked 12th across the entire NFL. This year should be no different for the AFC South powerhouse, with Lawrence and the passing game set to take another step with Coen in year two.

With the Jaguars likely focusing on Lawrence to be the catalyst, the Browns' newest additions on the front four must prove themselves in Week One. Sunday marks rising star and newly acquired EDGE Jared Verse's first regular-season contest with the organization, which means defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg must rely on Verse and his running mates on the defensive line to apply consistent pressure on Lawrence.

Win at the line of scrimmage against the run game

While Jacksonville's passing game thrived last season, the run game was one of the largest issues for the offense.

Averaging the 20th-most rushing yards per game in 2025-26 (115.1 rushing yards per game), the Jaguars tried to revamp the run game this offseason by signing free agent Chris Rodriguez Jr., who spent last season with the Washington Commanders . Both Rodriguez and 2025 fourth-round pick Bhayshul Tuten are set to play a huge role in the run game this year, which means the Browns must take advantage on Sunday.

The return of defensive tackles Mason Graham and Maliek Collins will dramatically help the defense against the run in Week One, with both playmakers poised to be real threats for the Jaguars' run game.

Lawrence's main receiving threat this season has quickly become 2023 sixth-round pick Parker Washington.

The former Penn State standout had a breakout season in 2025, recording 847 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 58 receptions. Coen has been on record this offseason speaking highly of Washington and how he will once again become a key factor on offense this season.

Unfortunately for the Browns, Washington plays a majority of his snaps in the slot, which is one of the weak links on defense heading into the regular season. Cornerback Myles Harden is projected to be the starting nickel for Cleveland in Week One, so the secondary unit will have its hands full with Washington on Sunday.