Cleveland Browns: Run defense is scary. And not in a good way.

The Cleveland Browns have raised some defensive concerns as the 2026 season begins, with their run defense being particularly troubling. Mike Rutenberg, who is making his first foray as a defensive coordinator, is tasked with replacing the esteemed Jim Schwartz, who led the Browns' defense for the past three seasons. While the team's defense has generally been solid in their 5-3 start, their run defense has been inconsistent, allowing between 100 and 132.2 rushing yards per game.

When the defense has been effective, it has shone, holding opponents like Carolina, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh under 100 rushing yards. However, when it has faltered, the Browns have struggled significantly, allowing 132.2 yards to Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and the New York Jets. In their most recent games, Tennessee and the Steelers have run for 141 and 200 yards, respectively, despite the Browns only allowing one rushing touchdown in their first six games.

Head coach Todd Monken attributes the issues to a lack of effort and opposing offenses adapting to the defense, as well as the team having to carry the burden while the offense has faltered. Despite the concerns surrounding Schwartz's departure, the Browns have historically been decent at stopping the run, ranking 24th in the league as they've allowed 126.9 yards per game.

However, since 1999, they've only allowed fewer than 100 yards per game once, in 2017. Even under Schwartz, the Browns' run defense has been average, allowing 105.5 yards per game in 2023, 129.7 in 2024, and 116.4 in 2025. The offense appears to be content stalling, leaving the defense to step up and improve their run defense if they hope to salvage the season.

This week's game against New Orleans, ranked 28th and 30th in rushing yards and yards per carry, respectively, will be a crucial test for the Browns to see if they can tighten up their run defense and avoid a season-long spiral.