Jared Verse debuts for Browns after Myles Garrett trade

Jared Verse is preparing for his Cleveland Browns debut Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars after arriving in the offseason trade that sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Verse, a former AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowl selection, said his focus is on starting 1-0 rather than pursuing individual honors. He recorded 67 quarterback pressures and 7.5 sacks for the Rams last season and hopes to convert more of that pressure into sacks in Cleveland’s defense. After joining the Browns late in the offseason program, Verse worked on new pass-rushing techniques during training camp and a preseason joint practice, while embracing the challenge of establishing his own identity rather than replicating Garrett. Cleveland will rely on Verse and the revamped defense to pressure Trevor Lawrence in the opener, while the team’s broader playoff hopes may depend in part on improved quarterback play from Deshaun Watson.