JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fans will get to see two of the better defenses in the NFL face off in Jacksonville as the Browns fly in to face the Jags in week one. It also happens to be the first game back since October of 2024 for Deshaun Watson, a player who has found immense success over the course of his career vs. the Jaguars.
First though, let’s discuss this vaunted Cleveland defense. If not for their putrid offense, this might have been the best unit in the NFL last season. The Browns led the NFL by allowing just 22.6 yards per drive, ranked fourth in yards per play (4.8), and fifth in pressure rate (38.1%).
They also happened to lead the league with 117 tackles for loss on the season.
It’s no secret that much of that success can be attributed to one Myles Garrett, but don’t overlook who Cleveland got in return for this generation’s best pass-rusher. Jared Verse knows how to rush the passer. Since 2024, Verse ranks only behind the previously mentioned Myles Garrett and the Jaguars’ very own Josh Hines-Allen in pressures with 157 to his name.
In the secondary, the Browns have a familiar face at cornerback in Tyson Campbell. Following the trade, Campbell actually put together a solid season, allowing a 51% completion rate and eight PBUs. His teammate Denzel Ward also allowed a completion rate under 60%. This is a tough team to find success through the air against, allowing just 167 passing yards per game.
On the offensive side of things, it isn’t nearly as pretty for the Browns. Watson leads an offense with Jerry Jeudy and two rookies at receiver, a sophomore RB, and a sophomore TE. Along the offensive line, this is almost entirely a new unit. In the offseason, Cleveland added OT Tytus Howard, OG Zion Johnson, OG Elgton Jenkins, and rookie OT Spencer Fano.
Watson and company will need the offensive line boost as last year’s unit wasn’t particularly good, ranking dead last in pressure rate allowed (46.0%). As stated, this will be Watson’s first game back in nearly two years. While he’s had success against the Jaguars, he has not found success with the Browns.
In Cleveland, Watson has averaged just 177.1 passing yards per game and put up 19 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 19 games. Those aren’t good numbers. That’s without mentioning the nearly two-year break since last playing in a regulation football game.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for the Browns’ offense. Running back Quinshon Judkins put up a solid rookie season in 2025, totaling 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Another exciting young player, Harold Fannin Jr showed out as a rookie, totaling 22 missed tackles. That happened to rank second-most at the tight end position.
Simply put, this is a game the Jaguars should win without too much trouble. Avoiding turnovers, pressuring Watson into making mistakes, and running the ball are likely the keys to victory against a team with such a great defense and lackluster offense. It doesn’t get easier for Jacksonville as the Broncos and Patriots are due up next.
It’s a must-win, should-win game for Liam Coen and Co. to start the season.
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