The Cleveland Browns entered 2026 with a major question hanging over their defense. How would the unit respond after Myles Garrett, the franchise's defensive centerpiece, left Cleveland?

Garrett broke the NFL's single-season sack record before demanding a trade, eventually landing with the Los Angeles Rams. The Browns received Jared Verse in the blockbuster deal, giving them a talented replacement with massive expectations.

However, Verse has yet to record a sack this season. That lack of production could have raised serious concerns, especially after losing a player who consistently changed games by himself.

Yet Cleveland's defense continues to make an impact, even without the sack numbers from its newest star. ESPN Cleveland's Emmett Golden highlighted one statistic that puts the unit's performance into perspective.

"Jared Verse doesn't have any sacks yet, but their pressure rate is higher this year than it was last year with Myles Garrett, who broke the single-season record for sacks."

Golden explained that Verse continues to affect quarterbacks despite the missing sack total. He pointed to Verse moving the pocket, forcing quarterbacks to rush throws and helping the entire defense create pressure.

Browns Defense Gives Cleveland a New Identity

That development gives Cleveland plenty of reason for optimism. The Browns no longer rely on one superstar to create disruption, with Verse and the rest of the defensive front contributing to a more consistent pass rush.

The pressure also creates opportunities for Cleveland's secondary. Quarterbacks who cannot settle into the pocket often make mistakes, and the Browns have continued forcing those uncomfortable situations.

Verse still needs to turn his pressure into sacks, but Cleveland has already shown it can survive Garrett's departure. As Golden put it, "this defense has been awesome," and the early results suggest that assessment deserves attention.

Written by

Joseph Nithin