EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 40 MIN
Inside Mike Rutenberg’s defense: How it compares to Jim Schwartz’s system
from Orange and Brown Talk: Cleveland Browns Podcast · host Cleveland.com - Advance Local
On this episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Lance Riesland joins Dan Labbe to break down the Browns' hiring of new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Lance dives into what he's seen on film, explaining how Rutenberg's philosophy is similar to Jim Schwartz's with its aggressive front, but will feature more schematic differences. The guys also tackle the challenges Rutenberg faces as a first-time play-caller and discuss the decision to move on from Schwartz. They look at specific players, including what Martin Emerson Jr.'s role could be in a crowded cornerback room and the potential for Denzel Ward to travel with top receivers more often. Finally, they shift to the offense, exploring what new head coach Todd Monken will prioritize this offseason, from fixing a potentially depleted offensive line to maximizing the talent of receivers like Isaiah Bond. Follow us: On X: https://x.com/orangebrowntalk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClevelandBrownsonclevelandcom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeandbrowntalk/ Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
On this episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Lance Riesland joins Dan Labbe to break down the Browns' hiring of new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Lance dives into what he's seen on film, explaining how Rutenberg's philosophy is similar to Jim Schwartz's with its aggressive front, but will feature more schematic differences. The guys also tackle the challenges Rutenberg faces as a first-time play-caller and discuss the decision to move on from Schwartz. They look at specific players, including what Martin Emerson Jr.'s role could be in a crowded cornerback room and the potential for Denzel Ward to travel with top receivers more often. Finally, they shift to the offense, exploring what new head coach Todd Monken will prioritize this offseason, from fixing a potentially depleted offensive line to maximizing the talent of receivers like Isaiah Bond. Follow us: On X: https://x.com/orangebrowntalk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClevelandBrownsonclevelandcom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeandbrowntalk/ Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Inside Mike Rutenberg’s defense: How it compares to Jim Schwartz’s system
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