Browns scouting report: New York Jets
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Browns v. New York Jets
Thursday, 8:15 p.m., in Cleveland Browns Stadium
Record: 6-9.
Last game: Defeated Washington Commanders, 30-28, December 24, in East Rutherford, NJ.
Coach: Robert Saleh, 17-32, third year.
Series record: Browns lead, 15-14 (counting post-season).
Last meeting: Jets won, 31-30, September 18, 2022.
League rankings: Offense is 31st overall (28th rushing, 31st passing), defense is fourth overall (24th rushing, second passing) and turnover differential is minus-8.
Things to watch
1. The Jets have four quarterbacks on their active roster, but only two are healthy – Trevor Siemian and Brett Rypien. Top backup Zach Wilson (concussion) is in protocol and Aaron Rodgers (Achilles tendon) was moved to the active roster last week but is not ready to play. Siemian, who became the fourth Jets QB to start a game last week, would make his second start Thursday if Wilson does not clear protocol.
2. When Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles tendon on the fourth play of the season, the Jets’ season went down in flames with him. Prior to Sunday’s win over Washington, the offense had scored only 13 touchdowns all year and only one in the first quarter. Against the 32nd-ranked Washington defense, the Jets exploded for 17 points in the first quarter. They blew a 20-point lead in the third quarter but won on a 54-yard field guard with 5 seconds left in the game.
Aaron Rodgers is taking a spot on the Jets 53 so that he can occasionally practice, though he won't see the field in 2023.
3. In Robert Saleh’s three seasons as head coach, the Jets rank 32nd in points and 31st in yards. Saleh’s burned through six quarterbacks and his offensive line has been a mess. The Jets have used 12 offensive line starting alignments in 15 games.
4. Still, the Jets have two playmakers to concern any defense. They are second-year wide receiver Garrett Wilson (88 catches, 958 yards, 3 touchdowns) and running back Breece Hall (173 attempts, 732 yards 4 TD).
5. Saleh’s defense has kept the team afloat, though it allowed Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett to lead three touchdown drives in the second half on Sunday. Saleh has blue-chip players on every level of his defense in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, linebackers C.J. Moseley and Quincy Williams, and cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. Saleh's defense -- and Rodgers' endorsement -- are the main reasons Saleh will see the fourth year of his Jets contract.
Did you know … ?
1. The Jets catered to Rodgers after acquiring him from Green Bay for multiple draft picks in 2023 and 2024. They heeded his wishes in hiring Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator and adding veteran Boyle and receivers Allan Lazard and Randall Cobb. Boyle's presence was the main reason the Jets didn’t sign Joe Flacco when Rodgers was injured. Boyle has since been released, and Lazard and Cobb have been busts.
2. Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee show last week that he wanted GM Joe Douglas, Saleh and Hackett to return. Shortly thereafter, owner Woody Johnson confirmed that all would be back. The Jets are in so deep with Rodgers, 40, that they had little recourse but to reboot next year when he is expected to be fully healthy and super motivated to repay their commitment to him. He has said he wants to play beyond 2024.
3. Wilson, who was the second overall pick of the 2021, is not expected to return for a fourth year with the team. The Jets will try to trade him. Their parting will be a mutual decision. Wilson is 12-21 in parts of three seasons as Jets starting QB. Everyone knows he needs a change of scenery.
4. This is the first time since 1989 the Jets have been forced to start four different quarterbacks. Rypien would be their fifth, if it comes to that.
5. The Jets haven’t allowed an individual 300-yard passing game in 33 straight games.
Small world: Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer (2001-03) and tight ends coach Ron Middleton (1989) played for the Browns … Senior football advisor Phil Savage was Browns GM (2005-08) and was a scout and defensive assistant (1991-95) … Defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey (practice squad, injured reserve) was a Browns fourth-round draft pick in 2022.
