Browns can allow their fans to celebrate something special with a win
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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.
Four downs on Browns (10-5) v. New York Jets (6-9)
First down: Wrap it up.
Not only would a win punch their playoff ticket for the Browns, it would clinch the No. 5 AFC seed at worst. It would also keep alive the slim hopes of catching Baltimore for the AFC North title. Baltimore would have to lose home games against Miami and Pittsburgh and the Browns would have to win in Cincinnati for them to claim the division title based on a better record in division games. Possible, not probable. A loss to the Jets would not eliminate the Browns with a game to go, but it would create the angst of needing to win in Cincinnati in the regular-season finale to maintain the all-important No. 5 seed. The No. 5 seed will play on the road at the winner of the AFC South – Jacksonville, Indianapolis or Houston. A loss also would mute the celebration of the Browns’ first post-season appearance since 2020 and only the third of the expansion era. A loss also would virtually guarantee this being the last home game in Cleveland Browns Stadium, where the Browns are 7-1 this year and have played their best football.
Second down: Revenge of the ex-Jets?
Joe Flacco and Elijah Moore are in a much better place now than a year ago in New York, and each knows it. In his 16th NFL season and at the age of 38, Flacco understands the business of the sport and doesn’t hold a grudge that the Jets never called him back this season to bail them out. In fact, he knows he’s lucky they didn’t because he would have gladly gone back and missed out on this surreal experience he’s living with the Browns. As for Moore, he asked out of the Jets before they traded for Aaron Rodgers. He couldn’t live anymore with the quarterback ineptitude of the Jets. Moore would love, however, to score a touchdown against his former team. I wouldn’t be surprised if Flacco makes it happen.
Myles Garrett is smiling despite an unprecedented five-game sack-less drought. Why? Check the standings. (Cleveland Browns)
Third down: End the drought now.
Other than winning the game, it would seem a natural goal of the Browns is to get Myles Garrett back on the sack train. He’s gone five games in a row without a sack, which is baffling because Garrett has continued to play hard to the whistle each game. The Jets present a golden opportunity for Garrett to break his drought. Their offensive line has used 12 different starting combinations in 15 games. If they repeat their lineup from last game, Garrett should see most of his reps against 360-pound left tackle Mekhi Becton. Garrett’s quickness and deep bend moves should be no match for Becton. I imagine defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz sees a big day ahead for the Browns’ pass rush when he breaks down the Jets’ offensive line. The Jets’ 61 sacks allowed are second to the Giants’ 77.
Fourth down: Why field goals and PATs matter more.
Kevin Stefanski didn’t attempt a punt or a place-kick in the second half in Houston because kicker Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) and punter Corey Bojorquez (quad) were hurt. It didn’t matter because the depleted Houston defense couldn’t stop Flacco and Amari Cooper. The Browns replaced Hopkins with Riley Patterson and Bojorquez with Matt Haack. It would be a good idea for Stefanski to give this temporary placement team of snapper Charley Hughlett, spotter and holder Haack and kicker Patterson some needed game reps – depending on the flow of the game. In other words, attempt the gimme field goals – or even longer ones – as long as the game is in hand. Hopkins possibly won’t be back this season. They need to condition Patterson for stressful game situations in the post-season.
The pick: Browns 28, Jets 10.
My record: 10-5.
