Watson rusty in return but Browns get 27-14 win over Texans
Deshaun Watson struggled in a sloppy performance in his first game in 700 days, but a punt return for a touchdown by Donovan Peoples-Jones and two defensive TDs were plenty enough to give the Cleveland Browns a 27-14 win over the lowly Houston Texans Sunday.
Mayfield makes too many mistakes in return from COVID list
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield threw a career-high four interceptions in his first game since returning from the reserve/COVID-19 list as the Brownsโ fading playoff hopes took another hit with a 24-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.
Murray returns from ankle injury, can't rally Cardinals
Left tackle Justin Herron left with an ankle injury. โ Browns defensive end Olivier Vernon suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. โ Lions offensive linemen Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Jonah Jackson left with concussions and defensive tackle Nick Williams injured an ankle vs. Minnesota. โ Giants linebacker Blake Martinez left briefly after appearing to injure his left ankle or foot in the third quarter. โ Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson (wrist) and cornerback Greg Martin (hamstring) left the game.
Browns end long playoff drought, survive late Steelers rally
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates after the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cleveland. The Browns, winless just three seasons ago and so bad for so long, are in the playoffs. The Browns and their passionate fan base endured 197 losses, 14 double-digit-loss seasons and seven coaches since the last playoff appearance. For the moment he got to Cleveland in 2018, Landry's goal was to get the Browns back to the postseason. Steelers: Will be back at full strength for their first playoff appearance since the 2017 season.
Browns lose CB Ward for Steelers game after positive test
If they win, the Browns (10-5) will make the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and end the NFL's longest current playoff drought. But the Browns will now be missing their best defensive back and at least two other defensive starters. While Ward is lost for at least this week, the Browns did get back star Jarvis Landry and three other receivers who missed last week's game. Not only will he miss the Steelers game, but he could also be out of Cleveland's first-round playoff matchup โ assuming the Browns get there. The Browns were getting ready to leave for the New York area on Saturday when Goodson's test came back positive.
Browns delay practice for Steelers after 2 positive tests
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)The Browns didn't begin preparing for the Steelers on the field but rather via Zoom calls. The Browns, who have nine players currently on the COVID-19 reserve list, will make the postseason for the first time since 2002 with a win. After learning of the positive tests, the team closed its facility to do contact tracing and Stefanski said players were doing virtual meetings โ something that has become standard in 2020. "โI donโt think it would come as a surprise for a positive test in that market. The Browns did have a good development as starting right guard Wyatt Teller was cleared to practice after missing two games with a sprained ankle.
Browns add 3 more players to crowded COVID-19 reserve list
The Cleveland Browns added starting safety Andrew Sendejo and rookie tight end Harrison Bryant to their lengthy COVID-19 list, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)CLEVELAND โ With their biggest game in years just days away, the Cleveland Browns added three more players to their lengthy COVID-19 list. Safeties Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph along with rookie tight end Harrison Bryant were placed on the list Tuesday, giving Cleveland nine players on the list. It's not yet known if Sendejo, Joseph or Bryant tested positive for the virus or if they had close contact with an infected person. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has been vigilant about keeping his players safe and following NFL and team guidelines.
Browns' playoff chances take hit with 23-16 loss to Jets
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. โ Baker Mayfield coughed up the ball โ and the Cleveland Browns' chances to wrap up a playoff spot. After a 23-16 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, the Browns will need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday if they're going to end the NFL's longest playoff drought. The call was upheld by video review, and the Jets (2-13) sealed their second straight victory after an 0-13 start. Mayfield then marched the Browns downfield, and Nick Chubb's 1-yard run made it 20-10 with 2:56 left in the third quarter.
Browns short-handed as they face Jets
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)The Cleveland Browns are short-handed as they try to clinch the franchiseโs first playoff berth since 2002, the longest active drought in the NFL. They learned Sunday morning they will be without starting rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills against the New York Jets because of an illness. The Browns will be missing receivers Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge and linebacker Jacob Phillips. The Indianapolis Colts will be without both starting offensive tackles when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. This comes after they placed LB Whitney Mercilus on the COVID list on Christmas.
Browns lose another player vs; Jets, starting LT Wills out
FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 file photo, Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (71) takes the field for an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn. Wills had been placed on the COVID list on Thursday, Dec. 24 after being in close contact with someone outside the team who had tested positive. The loss of Wills further depletes Cleveland's offensive line; starting right guard Wyatt Teller will miss his second straight game with a sprained ankle. In addition to Landry, the Browns will be missing receivers Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge and linebacker Jacob Phillips. They were placed on the COVID-19 list on Saturday before the team flew to the New York area.
Michigan cancels Ohio State showdown, citing COVID-19 cases
Michigan canceled its annual rivalry game at Ohio State on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, because of the COVID-19 outbreak within the Wolverines football program. โOur players, they want to play,โ Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. โThe Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most important rivalries in all of sports,โ the Big Ten said in a statement. He also said if Ohio State does not play for the conference championship, it would be โgreatโ to play the rivalry game against Michigan on Dec. 19. Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis said the team works all year with the goal of beating Michigan.
Mayfield throws 4 TDs in 1st half, Browns beat Titans 41-35
The Browns had their best-scoring half ever, leading 38-7 at halftime, topping the 35 points scored in the second half at Cincinnati in 2004. The Titans made it interesting late, outscoring the Browns 28-3 in the second half. Mayfield became the first Browns quarterback to throw four TDs in the first half since Hall of Famer Otto Graham in 1951. Thatโs the guy that the Cleveland Browns know who he is. Tennessee opened the second half scoring back-to-back touchdowns within the first six minutes.
Browns' Garrett said COVID 'kicked my butt, now I'm back'
CLEVELAND โ Myles Garrett pushes, shoves and fights 300-pound offensive linemen on a nearly daily basis for a living. โKicked my butt,โ the Browns star said Friday. As his sickness dragged on, he grew concerned about heart problems, which can occur in some COVID patients. "Iโm feeling as normal as Iโm going to. So Iโm treating it as if Iโm picking up right where I left off.
Beckham's season over, Browns star WR tears knee ligament
Cleveland Browns' Odell Beckham Jr. (13) is examined during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will miss the rest of the season after tearing a knee ligament during Sunday's 37-34 win at Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)CLEVELAND โ Odell Beckham Jr. was in a much better place emotionally and physically. The star receiver's second season with Cleveland ended on Monday after an MRI confirmed he sustained a torn left knee ligament in the opening minutes of Sunday's 37-34 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had 23 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns this season and scored on a 50-yard touchdown run.
Hurting Mayfield, Browns score late, outduel Bengals 37-34
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones after Peoples-Jones' touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)CINCINNATI โ Baker Mayfield overcame a terrible start to throw for five touchdowns, including a 24-yard go-ahead score to Donovan Peoples-Jones with 15 seconds left, and the Cleveland Browns outdueled the Cincinnati Bengals 37-34 on Sunday. Nursing sore ribs, Mayfield started 0 for 5 โ including an interception on his first attempt of the game. Rashard Higgins had six catches for 110 yards, and tight end Harrison Bryant had two touchdown catches. MISSING PIECESThe Bengals had lost Mixon (foot) and cornerback William Jackson III (concussion) to injuries during the week.
Michigan expected to be good, not great, again with Harbaugh
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan has been good, not great, under coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye said the team is under the radar and has taken a lot of punches from people. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has said more than once that he wants Harbaugh to lead the Wolverines until he chooses to retire from coaching. Heading into his sixth season, though, Harbaugh has just two years left on a deal that pays him about $7 million per season. The Wolverines host rival Michigan State and its new coach, Mel Tucker, in their second game.
Lions WR Golladay makes 2020 debut; Bucs' Godwin also active
Jeudy is active for the Bucs game as Denver quarterback Jeff Driskel makes his first start while Drew Lock recovers from a shoulder injury. Cardinals: QB Brett Hundley, WR Christian Kirk, RB Eno Benjamin, OL Mason Cole, OL Josh Miles, DL Leki Fotu. ___CHICAGO AT ATLANTABears: CB Duke Shelley, OG Arlington Hambright, NT Daniel McCullers, WR RIley Ridley, OLB Trevis GipsonFalcons: WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Browns: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jacob Phillips, Olivier Vernon, Evan Brown and WR Rashard Higgins. Brown, CB Chris Jackson OLB Derick Roberson, C Aaron Brewer, TE Geoff Swaim, DT Matt DickersonVikings: WR Tajaรฉ Sharpe, WR K.J.
What would Michiganโs receiving corps look like this season without Nico Collins?
Wide receiver attritionIt looks like the Wolverines will be without three of their top four wide receivers from a year ago. That trio, which highlighted the teamโs top-five 2017 recruiting class, combined for 96 catches, 1,490 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last season. So what would the receiving corps look like if Collins isnโt in the picture? NewcomersNo matter who comes and goes, Michigan is always going to bring in new playmakers at the wide receiver position. They donโt all need to be better than Collins, Peoples-Jones and Black.
Michigan football's talented wide receivers not living up to preseason hype
Peoples-Jones dropped the first two passes thrown his direction. Collins dropped a pass on a crossing route that would have been a big play. But his receivers dropped the ball. The numbers are fine considering the inconsistency of the offense, but these receivers are supposed to be extraordinary. After their worst game as a unit, they've got half a season to live up to the hype.
No. 7 Michigan beats Middle Tennessee 40-21
7 Michigan went on to beat Middle Tennessee 40-21 Saturday night. Michigan made it 40-14 with Dylan McCaffrey's 6-yard run late in the third quarter and Ben Van Sumeren's 1-yard run with 6:37 left. Patterson was 17 of 29 for 203 yards with TD passes to Tarik Black, Nico Collins and Sean McKeon. McCaffrey completed both of his passes for 17 yards and ran for 42 yards along with a score. UP NEXTMiddle Tennessee: Hosts Tennessee State.
Predicting all 26 starters for Michigan football vs. Middle Tennessee State
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Michigan football team is set to kick off the season Saturday at home against Middle Tennessee State. TE: Sean McKeonMichigan has a handful of young, exciting options at tight end, such as redshirt freshman Mustapha Muhammad and true freshman Erick All. LG: Ben BredesonA team captain for the second year in a row and a fourth-year starter, Michigan couldn't ask for a more reliable left guard than Ben Bredeson. DE: Kwity PayeKwity Paye forced his way onto the field as a true freshman and emerged as one of the team's best playmakers in the backfield last year. DT: Carlo KempThe interior defensive line is considered a potential weakness for Michigan, but Carlo Kemp is a safe, reliable veteran to lead the group.
Michigan football could have 7 dangerous wide receivers this year in Josh Gattis' offense
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Michigan football team is expected to have a much more dangerous offense this season under Josh Gattis, and depth at wide receiver is one of its greatest weapons. Donovan Peoples-Jones catches a touchdown against SMU on Sept. 15, 2018, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Of his six touchdown catches, three came against rivals Ohio State and Michigan State. Bell is sandwiched between the three talented juniors and three incoming freshmen, but he won't be forgotten in Gattis' offense, which will take advantage of his speed and elusiveness. True freshmenJim Harbaugh landed a trio of talented pass catchers, though they come with much less fanfare that Peoples-Jones, Collins and Black.
Predicting the stats for Michigan football's top 5 wide receivers this season
Here's a prediction of what the stats could look like for Michigan's top five wide receivers this season. 1 wide receiver in the 2017 recruiting class, and while he's been a good weapon for the Wolverines, he hasn't been a superstar. Tarik Black2019 stats: Four catches for 35 yardsMichigan football wide receiver Tarik Black makes a catch against Cincinnati (Joe Robbins/Getty Images). 595 player overallMichigan wide receiver Mike Sainristil during his recruiting process (Photo: Mike Sainristil/@MikeSainristil)It feels risky predicting a true freshman to be the No. As an early enrollee, Sainristil has an advantage over a pair of four-star wide receiver commits, Giles Jackson and Cornelius Johnson.