Former Browns star Myles Garrett
Tony Grossi Reveals Surprising Defensive Changes After Browns Moved on From Myles Garrett 1
The Cleveland Browns made one of the biggest defensive moves of the offseason when they parted ways with Myles Garrett, leaving a massive hole in a unit built around his ability to pressure quarterbacks. Losing a player of his caliber would normally raise serious concerns about what comes next, especially for a defense trying to remain competitive.
However, the Browns’ early-season numbers have created an unexpected conversation. Instead of simply struggling to replace its former star, the defense appears to be finding a different way to get the job done.
Tony Grossi Points to an Unexpected Benefit of Myles Garrett’s Departure
Los Angeles Rams Myles Garrett
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) poses with jersey at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
On October 20, Browns reporter Tony Grossi offered a surprising assessment of the Browns defense under new coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Writing for The Land On Demand, Grossi pointed to improvements in several key categories and suggested that Garrett’s departure may have benefited the unit collectively.
“I see the defense of new coordinator Mike Rutenberg taking on a different personality than that of Schwartz’s defense. Both, of course, are fueled by the defensive line. But through six games, the Rutenberg defense has given up fewer points, recorded more sacks and takeaways, and is better in red zone efficiency. The unintended consequence of the trade of Garrett is that it made the Browns’ defense as a whole better by his exodus. I don’t think anyone saw that coming.”
Tony Grossi reveals how the Browns’ defense has improved in unexpected ways under Mike Rutenberg, pointing to fewer points allowed, more sacks and takeaways, and better red-zone efficiency while suggesting Myles Garrett’s departure made the unit stronger as a whole.
"I see the… pic.twitter.com/ASLrEBsuDT
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) October 20, 2026
Grossi added that the trade had produced an unintended consequence, with the defense becoming better as a whole following Garrett’s exit. He admitted that few people would have predicted that outcome when the Browns moved on from their defensive superstar.
That does not mean Garrett was holding the Browns back. The former Browns pass rusher was one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders, and replacing his individual production was always going to be difficult. The reporter’s argument is about the defense’s overall performance, not whether the team is better off without an elite talent.
The change also comes with a new voice leading the unit. Mike Rutenberg took over after Jim Schwartz’s departure, bringing adjustments to a defense that had relied heavily on its front four to create pressure while the secondary handled coverage responsibilities.
Grossi has previously suggested that Rutenberg would retain much of that aggressive identity. The Browns still want their defensive line to attack opposing QBs, with linebackers cleaning up plays and the secondary making life difficult for receivers.
The Browns have also had encouraging individual performances from players elsewhere on the defense. Cornerback Myles Harden, for example, bounced back from early struggles with an interception and a strong coverage performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.
For now, Grossi’s assessment raises an intriguing possibility: The Browns may be developing a more balanced defense under Rutenberg, even without the player who once defined it. The real test will be whether those gains hold up over the rest of the season.