Browns Face Jets in Week 5 Test of Early Progress

The Cleveland Browns travel to face the New York Jets on October 11, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Cleveland seeking a fourth win in five games and New York trying to end a three-game losing streak. The Browns enter at 3-1 after beating Pittsburgh, while the Jets are 1-3 after losing to Chicago.

According to cleveland.com, the matchup is viewed as a test of Cleveland's early improvement under head coach Todd Monken. The Browns can move to 4-1, while the Jets remain without key offensive players including Breece Hall, Adonai Mitchell and other injured contributors.

Cleveland coach Todd Monken said the Jets have shown physical traits under their new defensive approach.

"What I see is, and I'm looking at both sides of the ball, a team that plays awfully hard. I see a defense that rallies to the ball, plays physically, and they've changed over their defense," said Todd Monken, Browns head coach.

Monken also highlighted the challenge posed by Jets quarterback Geno Smith, who had completed 85 of 117 passes for 902 yards and five touchdowns through four games, according to clevelandbrowns.com.

"With the Jets, I see a very productive player, a guy that throws an elite deep ball, and he'll be a handful. We're going to do a great job Sunday eliminating some of the explosive plays that he's capable of creating," said Todd Monken, Browns head coach.

The Browns defense enters the game having gone 49 straight games without allowing a 300-yard passer, the longest active streak in the NFL, according to clevelandbrowns.com.

"If you give him time back there to make his plays, he's going to damage you a lot. I have a little history of playing against him, so I know what he's capable of, and we just can't let him get going because when he gets going. He's one of the best in the league," said Jared Verse, Browns defensive end.

Cleveland will also focus on improving its rushing attack. The Browns recorded 112 net rushing yards against Pittsburgh, while Quinshon Judkins leads the team with 177 yards on 59 carries.

"Just guys gelling, coming together and continuing to understand the scheme. Continuing to understand what we're trying to teach and get across to them. And those guys are doing a great job seeing the defense and taking advantage of what the defense is presenting," said Duce Staley, Browns running backs coach.

The Jets have allowed 123.5 rushing yards per game, while Cleveland has allowed 113.3 rushing yards per game through four weeks, according to clevelandbrowns.com.

"I think that we've improved every week in that area and in all areas of the run game. It's very rarely one thing. I think that our guys have really taken to heart the strain and finish piece of it. I think we're starting to displace the line of scrimmage more and more every week," said Travis Switzer, Browns offensive coordinator.

According to cleveland.com, defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg said Cleveland's defense remains focused on weekly adjustments as the team continues developing under its current staff.