With a little help, Cleveland can clinch a spot in the postseason on Sunday.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Alright, now it gets interesting…
The Browns are back at the Meadowlands Sunday to face the New York Jets, one week after beating the Giants at the same stadium. This time around, Cleveland could earn a late Christmas present, with a playoff berth potentially on the line.
BROWNS AT JETS: Preview, prediction, point spread, how to watch
There are a few odd scenarios involving ties, but here are the most simple options: If the Browns win today and either the Baltimore Ravens or Indianapolis Colts lose, the Cleveland will be headed to the postseason for the first time since 2002. The Browns will not be eliminated of those things do not occur, but things will get much more interesting next Sunday, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers looming in the last game of the season and the AFC North title possibly up for grabs.
Cleveland’s playoff hopes became quite complicated on Saturday, in more ways than one: Multiple players (including virtually the entire receiving core) are out due to possible COVID-19 exposure, while other key pieces are either hurt or sick. What’s more, the Browns could’ve had a mere “win-and-in” situation, but those hope were squashed following a fourth quarter collapse last night by the Las Vegas Raiders against the contending Miami Dolphins.
Still, if there was ever a week to have some missteps, this might be it. The Jets come in at just 1-13 (earning their first victory last weekend against the Los Angeles Rams), and could fire head coach Adam Gase as soon as tomorrow. While the Browns have surprised observers with a solid season, New York has done the exact opposite after entering with some high expectations, and at this point are only contending for the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
What follows is a drive-by-drive live blog of today’s action, with the most recent plays and updates closest to the top. Stay tuned for updates and analysis throughout the afternoon on 3News and WKYC.com.
2ND QUARTER
0:00: The Browns fail to get into decent field goal range, but still attempt a 61-yarder from the leg of Jamie Gillan. It falls short and wide, and we head into halftime.
2:20: The Browns offense is in shambles right now, as another sack of Baker Mayfield forces yet another punt. The Jets will start their next drive at midfield.
5:05: It looked like the Browns may have returned a Sam Darnold fumble for a touchdown, but the play was ruled an incomplete pass. The defense still holds to force a Jets punt, and Cleveland takes over at its own 9-yard line desperately needing a spark.
8:26: After being aided by a roughing the passer penalty, the Browns are knocked out of field goal range after John Franklin-Myers sacks Baker Mayfield. Jamie Gillan punts again, and New York will start at its own 10.
13:33: The Sam Darnold finds a wide-open Chris Herdon for an 11-yard touchdown, and just like that, the Jets lead 13-3. The extra point attempt was blocked.
14:54: Disaster for the Browns, as a Baker Mayfield fumble is recovered by Tarell Basham. The Jets take over at the Cleveland 30-yard line.
1ST QUARTER
0:34: The Jets call a trick play, and the Browns bite hard: Receiver Jamison Crowder hits a wide-open Braxton Berrios for a 43-yard touchdown pass, and New York takes a 7-3 lead.
2:53: Another three-and-out for the Browns, who are struggling to run the ball. Jamie Gillan punts it 46 yards to the New York 34, and the Jets will try to get something going.
4:59: The Jets manage to pick up two first downs and get into Browns territory, but Myles Garrett puts an end to the threat with a big sack of Sam Darnold. Braden Mann punts again, and Cleveland will start at its own 13.
9:26: A nice completion to Austin Hooper sets up a 44-yard field goal by Cody Parkey. The Browns take an early 3-0 lead.
13:19: The Jets return the favor with a three-and-out of their own, and Braden Mann comes out for the punt. D’Ernest Johnson returns the kick to the Browns 40, and Cleveland will start with good field position.
14:03: The Browns go three-and-out (all pass plays) and are forced to punt. Braxton Berrios returns Jamie Gillan’s kick to the New York 26-yard line, where the Jets will start.
PREGAME
A look at the list of Browns who will not play today, with some hurt and others waiting to see if they have the coronavirus:
- B.J. Goodson (reserve/COVID-19)
- Rashard Higgins (reserve/COVID-19)
- KhaDarel Hodge (reserve/COVID-19)
- Chris Hubbard (knee/IR)
- Jarvis Landry (reserve/COVID-19)
- Donovan Peoples-Jones (reserve/COVID-19)
- Jacob Phillips (reserve/COVID-19)
- Wyatt Teller (knee)
- Jedrick Wills Jr. (illness)
Nick Harris will start for Teller at right guard, while Kendall Lamm will fill in for Wills at left tackle. As for the receivers, Ja’Marcus Bradley and Derrick Willies have been elevated from the practice squad, while Marvin Hall will play his first game for Cleveland after being claimed off waivers from Detroit. Head coach Kevin Stefanski even held a walk-through for the new additions in a garage.