When the Browns' offense takes the field for their first drive on Nov. 9, they will face a changed Jets' defense.
At the trade deadline on Nov. 4, the Jets traded both of their former first-team All-Pro defenders – CB Sauce Gardner and DT Quinnen Williams. QB Dillon Gabriel, however, remained cautious about what New York's defense can bring to the field.
"They're still a great team," Gabriel said. "They have a bunch of great players. That's why they're in this league. They've played really well."
Even with the changes to the Jets' defense, the Browns are looking to start the second half of the season strong – beginning with kickstarting their offense.
New York ranks in the bottom half of the league in total yards allowed per game, rushing yards allowed per game and points allowed per game. With the trades, the Jets lost Gardner, the top graded coverage cornerback since 2022, and Williams, the top graded defensive tackle against the run this season, per Pro Football Focus.
Browns players like RB Quinshon Judkins can take advantage of Williams' absence. Judkins has run for 69.4 yards per game, the 11th best figure in the NFL. Against the Jets' 26th-ranked run defense, one that has given up 100-plus rushing yards in a game six times, Judkins having success in the run game can help open up the field for the pass game.
"I think it's marrying the run and the pass, but then also establishing the run early," Gabriel said. "I think whenever we're in flow and creating rhythm, we play well. So, I want to continue to find that and find it as much as possible. Then, when we are technically out of the system, you want to be able to find ways to find positive yards and be good at that. So, we look forward to it and know that on both sides we're going to have to be really good."