After claiming their first win of the season over one NFC North opponent in the Packers, the Browns are set to face another NFC North team for the second consecutive week. They travel to Detroit to face the Lions in Week 4.
"Very physical group. Obviously, their offense is playing at an extremely high level," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I think the quarterback's great, they have great playmakers around him, including an explosive running back that can hurt you in the run and the pass.
"Defensively, Kelvin Sheppard's doing a tremendous job with this group," Stefanski continued. "Talent at all three levels, obviously, 97 (Aidan Hutchinson) is terrific, can get off the ball, can rush, can play the run, never stops. Big physical linebackers, very good in the back end. I think (Brian) Branch is as good as it gets in this game. 31 (Kerby Joseph) led in the league in interceptions last year, so they can take the ball away. They can play a variety of different defenses, but they do a really, very, very good job."
Here are three keys to their Week 4 matchup against the Lions.
Limit running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs
The Browns' run defense will face another tough matchup with the duo of RB David Montgomery and RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Through the first three games of the season, Montgomery has rushed for 233 yards on 34 carries and three touchdowns, averaging 77.7 yards per game and 6.9 rushing yards per carry. Gibbs has rushed for 180 yards on 43 carries and three touchdowns, averaging 60 yards per game and 4.2 rushing yards per carry.
"It's one of the major things we have to do is stop the run," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "Two different running backs, you got to protect your edges. You got to defend all 53 and third, particularly with (Jahmyr) Gibbs. And then there's a lot of passes that are just extensions of the run game. A lot of screen game, a lot of quicks. Even the checkdowns are sort of an extension of the run game. So, our ability to play run defense, our ability to tackle in the open field, that's a major part of this game plan going forward."
However, this season the Browns have been able to shut down elite running backs through the first three games, limiting top running backs like Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs. The Browns' run defense has only allowed a total of 172 rushing yards through three games for an average of 57.3 rushing yards per game, the best in the league.
Win the turnover battle
The Browns will face a Lions' defense that has found ways to force takeaways against opposing offenses, as they are sixth in the league in turnover ratio at plus-2. They have recorded an interception and two fumbles this season, while only having one giveaway on an interception thrown by QB Jared Goff.
On the flip side, the Browns are minus-4 in turnover ratio, with five total giveaways – including four interceptions and one fumble. The Browns' defense recorded their first takeaway of the season in Week 3 against the Packers when S Grant Delpit picked off a pass from QB Jordan Love.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said as an offense, they have to be aware of the Lions' ability to punch the ball out and cause fumbles.
"They do a great job fundamentally, as a group of punching and ripping at the ball," Rees said. "If you watch (Alex) Anzalone run down, constantly going after the football. So, it's clearly coached how they attack the ball. They play an aggressive style where they're going to challenge you and swarm it – and be aggressive and play lower and do things to try to make the quarterback feel uncomfortable. And then they always have 11 seem to be chasing the ball. And when you do that, when the ball comes out, usually you recover. So, definitely have our work cut out for us there."
Browse photos of the Cleveland Browns practicing at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as they prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
The team during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
The team during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
The team during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (64) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillip (69) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Joshua Miles (66) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillip (69) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Assistant Strength and Conditioning/Sports Science Coach Josh Christovich during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillip (69) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Assistant Wide Receivers Coach Stephen Bravo-Brown during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
The team during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Bill Willis Diversity Fellow Michael Bearden during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (11) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Assistant Offensive Line Coach Ben Wilkerson during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Offensive tackle Joshua Miles (66) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Coordinator of Coaching Logistics Jacqueline Roberts during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (11) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Offensive Line Coach Mike Bloomgren during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillip (69) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Director of Player Development and Strength and Conditioning Carson Walch during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Cornerback Tre Avery (28) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Offensive Line Coach Mike Bloomgren during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 24, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Cornerbacks Coach Brandon Lynch during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Cornerbacks Coach Brandon Lynch during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Cornerback Tre Avery (28) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Director of Equipment Operations Kory Gillissie during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Offensive Assistant/Offensive Line Coach Sanders Davis during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 25, 2025.
Utilize RB Quinshon Judkins to establish the run game and generate offense
The Browns have continued to see an uptick of production in the run game, particularly with the addition of RB Quinshon Judkins. In his first two NFL games, Judkins has recorded 28 carries for 155 rushing yards and one touchdown. He's broken loose for a 31-yard gain in Week 2 and a 38-yard gain in Week 3.
"Really pleased with how he's just put his head down and worked as he's gotten back in the swing of things," Rees said. "Optimistic about how he's prepping and how he's putting himself in a position to have success. You know, obviously he was able to find yards there, especially in the second half of the game last week when we needed it, and excited about where he's at as a young player."
The Browns face a Lions' run defense that has held teams to an average of 99 rushing yards per game this season, ranking 11th in the league. However, facing a Lions' offense that is averaging 34.3 points per game – ranking second in the league – the Browns will need to find ways to move the ball downfield and into the end zone. Judkins has showcased his power and shiftiness to break through and find lanes to run for positive yards. He is averaging 5.5 yards per game through his first two games.
