Tag: Alex Wright

Browns lose another significant contributor to a season-ending injury

Third-year defensive end Alex Wright will miss the rest of the season with a tricep tear

Another one bites the dust for the Cleveland Browns as third-year defensive end Alex Wright will miss the rest of the 2024 season with a season-ending injury.

Wright announced on Instagram that he would miss the rest of the year due to a torn tricep. He penned the following message:

“After the Jacksonville game, I got an MRI on my tricep because I was dealing with pain from a strain in the same spot during joint practice vs the Vikings. Somehow it became a freak accident because I didn’t even use my right arm on the play. So after finding out about it I battled through the pain and all. Fast forward I got my last MRI checkup and it has progressed to worse from a partial tear. So now surgery is taking place which leads me to missing the rest of the season… anyone who knows me know I love football to death but 91 is going to be alright for sure. Everything happens for a reason, it’s in God’s plan. 91’s coming back with mean (expletive) vengeance I promise you. I STAMP THAT.”

Moving forward, look for second-year player Isaiah McGuire to continue to get significant snaps in the pass rush rotation. He has been playing well in a limited role this year, so we will be monitoring his growth in an increased role.

For now, however, we wish nothing but a speedy recovery for Wright.

Continually growing Alex Wright earns the praise of his coaches

The Browns have got a real one in their former third round pick

The Cleveland Browns found a couple of gems in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, and a defensive end out of UAB named Alex Wright was one of them.

Coming off of his sophomore season where he recorded four sacks in his last four games, Wright just continues to get better for the Browns. It was his sack late in the fourth quarter that not only gave the Browns an additional two-point cushion over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but possession of the football back on a safety.

His coaches are singing the high praises of the defensive end for his continued growth and development over his NFL career.

Here is what the Browns head coach had to say on Wright and his continued development now in his third season with the team:

“Alex has given us a ton of really good reps in his career. He has made some big plays for us in his young career. That safety last week. A young player that keeps coming on and gives us versatility in terms of where he can rush. We are really excited about his continued growth.”

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz added to the praise of Wright, lauding him for the work that he puts in:

“He’s been rewarded with more opportunities. He’s played good, consistent, physical football for us. He brings a physical element.”

Alex Wright comes up huge with late sack and safety vs. Jaguars

The third-year player continues to make plays on the field.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright came through when the team needed it most, securing a sack and safety with less than two minutes left in the game in their win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

After a fantastic punt by punter Corey Bojorquez that went out of bounds at the one-yard line, the defense immediately went to work. Wright made the sack on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the first play of the drive. Lawrence was quickly surrounded by multiple Browns defenders and had nowhere to go when Alex Wright took him down in the end zone.

https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1835408752108855410

This is Wright’s sixth sack of his NFL career and his first of the season. He has spent all three years of his professional career with Cleveland after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Browns’ defense has made some dominant plays this afternoon thanks to Wright and other star defenders.

The Browns currently hold an 18-13 lead and are working towards securing this victory in Jacksonville.

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns

Coming off a tough loss in South Florida, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set for their home opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday as both teams look to avoid an 0-2 start. 

This week Jacksonville looks to be more consistent with its offensive production while Cleveland is again forced to deal with quarterback Deshaun Watson and his off-field issues as the Browns await the return of all-world running back Nick Chubb.

Week 2 will give both teams a better picture of what and who they are moving forward into the 2024 campaign. The Jaguars hope for better execution in their offensive approach following their blown lead to the Miami Dolphins.

With that in mind, Jaguars Wire is here to identify some key matchups for Jacksonville’s Week 2 matchup with Cleveland. Here are three matchups the Jaguars must win to avoid a winless start to the season.

Cleveland QB Deshaun Watson vs. Jacksonville’s defense

One of the key takeaways from this past Sunday was the Jaguars’ admirable defensive performance against the explosive Dolphins offense. They mostly limited significant explosive plays and generated four-man pressures through their front four.

Browns head coach and play-caller Kevin Stefanski is known for his offensive creativity and has put Watson in positions to succeed. But since returning from suspension nearly two seasons ago, the former Clemson standout has yet to return to his pre-2021 form.

Watson’s performance against the Dallas Cowboys offered a clear sign of his current abilities.

According to Next Gen Stats, Watson was pressured on 44.6% of dropbacks, finishing 5-of-17 for 22 yards against pressure while being sacked six times. His 23.2 percent dropback success rate was the lowest in a game in the Next Gen Stats era.

Watson has declined, and the Jaguars have the defense to force him off his spot and into bad decisions. Plus, Jacksonville has the athletic defenders necessary to stick with Watson in quarterback contain.

If defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s unit can generate pressures and rattle Watson early, it should be a good day for Jacksonville.

Jacksonville’s offensive line vs. Cleveland’s defensive line

The trenches will be a key matchup in this game but none more crucial than the Jaguars offensive line against the Browns stellar pass rush, led by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.

Jacksonville’s front five did a decent job of protecting franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence against the Dolphins, allowing a pressure rate of 32%, ranking No. 14 in the NFL in Week 1.

However, Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is arguably the best in the game at his position and finds ways of consistently getting to the QB. Against the Cowboys, most of the Browns’ pressures came from a defensive front featuring three defensive ends and one defensive tackle.

Having an extra edge rusher lined up at the three-technique could prove disadvantageous for Jacksonville’s guards due to the speed and quickness of Cleveland’s rushers. Schwartz will likely deploy this fairly often in passing situations.

The biggest concern will be if the Jaguars can limit Garrett, arguably the best pass rusher in the world. This offensive line will also have to account for defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris, and defensive ends Za’Darius Smith and Alex Wright.

Jacksonville seems up for the challenge considering its Week 1 performance. Right guard Brandon Scherff must have a better game after an up-and-down showing in Miami. However, left guard Ezra Cleveland and center Mitch Morse held their own against the Dolphins and can build upon their performances this week. 

Tackles Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison will have a lot on their plate Sunday, but another solid day from these five linemen could signal success for the Jaguars in Week 2. 

Jacksonville’s skill players vs. Cleveland’s back-seven

Once again, the Jaguars’ group of offensive skill players will face another tough secondary only this time on their home turf.

The Browns have a defensive unit that allowed a negative .20 expected points added (EPA) per play allowed. Their back seven is led by star linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward with more quality defenders roaming the second and third level.

For most teams, including Jacksonville, facing Cleveland’s back seven is a tall task. Nevertheless, the Jaguars have last week’s first-half performance to go off of when it comes to taking on other stout back seven defenders.

Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. must be a focal point Sunday. The offense was humming when he was being targeted and he adds a level of explosiveness and playmaking ability this unit has not had in quite some time. His zero targets in the second half were inexcusable.

This weekend could be a good time for the Jaguars to deploy Evan Engram into the passing game in his new versatile role as the F-move tight end and fullback. He could be the X-factor against a tough Browns secondary.

Finding explosive plays and getting the ball to the team’s best playmakers will be another crucial aspect in their pursuit of a home-opener victory. 

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns’ defensive players vs. Bengals

The backup defense struggled to finish the regular season

Just like they did for the offense Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns rested most of their significant contributors in the season finale against the Bengals. It was not a good start in Cincinnati as the Bengals scored 24 points in the first half and took a commanding 24-0 lead into the break. They played better in the second half as the Bengals also started to pull their starters.

Young safety D’Anthony Bell continued his strong season with his second interception and he played well for most of the day in both facets of the game. Vincent Gray who was elevated from the practice squad for the game had a great day in coverage and made a couple of impressive plays.

Sam Kamara showed his versatility by playing both inside and outside with consistent success. Rookie Isaiah McGuire might have had the best day as he registered five quarterback pressures and two sacks on the day. Here are the Top 10 performances for the defense according to PFF.

4 Downs: Who cares? A meaningless game with little to take away vs. Bengals

You won’t find a more meaningless game than this one.

The Cleveland Browns have ended their 2023 regular season with a record of 11-6. Despite solid performances by wide receiver David Bell and defensive end Alex Wright, the Browns’ backups fell to the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 14-31 as they now prepare for the Houston Texans next week.

The Bengals did not rest their starters as running back Joe Mixon had his best game in two years against this reserve unit. Jake Browning was also able to find success through the air, ending the game with 156 yards and three touchdowns passing.

Overall, the game is about what you would expect for a team resting all of their starters with their spot in the playoffs already locked down. The real test lies ahead as the Browns get set to travel to Houston to take on the Texans in the first round of the playoffs.

And for the last time this regular season, here is your 4 Downs from this meaningless Week 18 loss to the Bengals.

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns’ defensive players vs. Broncos

Cleveland’s run defense struggled at times in Denver

At times on Sunday, the Denver Broncos were able to just run the ball at will on the defense of the Cleveland Browns. The defense continued to struggle in the first quarter and Denver’s coach Sean Payton schemed up a great gameplan to attack Cleveland’s run defense.

Jim Schwartz and company have got to figure out why the unit has had so many slow starts and find a way to eliminate them. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was fantastic in this game, his best as a pro, he was all over the field making plays all day. He was playing fast and confident downhill in run defense and even added a sack that happened so fast I almost missed it watching live.

It sounds like Myles Garrett may have avoided major injury after the shoulder injury he sustained on Sunday. The team badly needs Denzel Ward back after an awful showing from Greg Newsome II who played his worst game as a pro.

Here are the top 10 defensive performances in Denver according to PFF.

WATCH: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah forces Russell Wilson fumble in Browns vs. Broncos

A forced fumble to end the scoring threat for Denver

After allowing a touchdown on Denver’s first offensive drive of the game, the Cleveland Browns forced their first turnover of the day. On fourth down, Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson took off for a first down, but linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was there to knock it loose. He had a textbook punch at the football and popped it loose for Alex Wright to jump on.

Once again it is clear early that the Browns will need to lean on this defense to get a win and you can tell both units know that. They aren’t getting pressure quick enough on Wilson and Jim Schwartz is likely scheming up ways to make that happen.

Another punt followed the Wilson fumble but the defense understands what they must do today. Owusu-Koramoah has been all over the field so far making plays for Cleveland and they will need that to continue. Wilson looks sharp outside of the fumble so the Browns have their work cut out for them today.

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Browns Injury Report: Denzel Ward returns to practice, Dawand Jones remains out Wednesday

The Browns get set to take on the Steelers shorthanded at QB and at RT with Dawand Jones. However, Denzel Ward returned to practice.

The Cleveland Browns got some devastating injury news on Wednesday, as it was announced that quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the season with a broken shoulder. That is not the only concern with the Steelers on deck as right tackle Dawand Jones remains sidelined. On a bright note, however, cornerback Denzel Ward was a limited participant in practice as the Browns get set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers despite leaving the game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Ward is not the only player to show up on the injury list, however, as there is a laundry list from Wednesday’s practice. A handful of players were resting on the first day of practice this week, so a bit of sifting through the names has to be done.

Here is the long list of players who did not practice or practiced on a limited basis as the Browns look to advance to 7-3 on the season against the Steelers on Sunday with an opportunity to take hold of the top spot in the AFC North.

Greg Newsome II highlights Browns’ inactives, Dawand Jones active vs. Cardinals

The Browns have released their inactives against the Cardinals

Coming into this Week 9 matchup, the Cleveland Browns have already ruled out cornerback Greg Newsome II, wide receiver David Bell, and defensive end Alex Wright. Offensive tackle Dawand Jones was named as questionable for the game but is officially active against the Arizona Cardinals.

Due to the injury to Bell and the trade of Donovan Peoples-Jones, the Browns have promoted James Proche II from the practice squad for this game. Fourth round rookie Isaiah McGuire is set to make his NFL debut in this game due to the injury of Wright, who has come into his own this season for Jim Schwartz and his defensive unit.

Look for third round rookie wide receiver Cedric Tillman to see a massive increase in his role as well. This is an excellent game for quarterback Deshaun Watson to get his footing underneath him, but also for the rookie class to have a breakout.

Here is the full list of inactives for Cleveland as they look to advance to 5-3 against the 1-7 Cardinals.