Tag: browns news

Jerry Jeudy had a funny reaction to reason why Broncos-Jets trade was nixed

Jets owner Woody Johnson nixed a Jerry Jeudy trade to New York because of the WR’s Madden rating. This is how Jeudy responded to the report.

Earlier this week, Dianna Russini, Zack Rosenblatt and Michael Silver released a wild report in The Athletic about New York Jets owner Woody Johnson nixing a trade with the Denver Broncos earlier this year.

In the story, Jets general manager Joe Douglas was said to be “deep in negotiations” with Broncos general manager George Paton on a trade that would have sent wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to New York this spring.

Here’s what happened next, according to The Athletic:

The Broncos felt a deal was near. Then, abruptly, it all fell apart. In Denver’s executive offices, they couldn’t believe the reason why.

Douglas told the Broncos that Johnson didn’t want to make the trade because the owner felt Jeudy’s player rating in “Madden NFL,” the popular video game, wasn’t high enough, according to multiple league sources. The Broncos ultimately traded the receiver to the Cleveland Browns.

Jeudy had a Madden rating of 83 overall in last year’s version of the popular NFL video game. His rating improved to 84 this year.

Jeudy took to Twitter/X with a funny response to the report:

Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson is a Madden ratings adjuster (yes, that’s an actual position). The former NFL receiver indicated that the deal getting nixed worked out for Jeudy in the end:

Johnson promised a big ratings increase next year if Jeudy finishes the season strong:

Jeudy later said on a Cleveland radio station that he thinks the report is funny, but fake news.

For what it’s worth, the Broncos have pushed back on The Athletic report through KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis, who tweeted on Thursday that “from the Broncos perspective, talks broke down due to draft compensation and nothing more.”

Jeudy, 25, has hauled in a career-high 70 receptions for a career-best 1,052 receiving yards and four touchdowns through 14 games with the Browns this season.

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Browns sign ex-Broncos wide receiver to practice squad

Ex-Broncos wide receiver Kaden Davis joined the Browns’ practice squad this week.

Kaden Davis has had quite a bumpy season.

The 26-year-old wide receiver signed with the Denver Broncos‘ practice squad on Sept. 11. He was then released on Oct. 1, re-signed on Oct. 8 and released again on Oct. 14.

He has now found a new home with the Cleveland Browns, joining their practice squad earlier this week. Davis (6-1, 190 pounds) entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Northwest Missouri State with the Broncos in 2022. He has since spent time with the Michigan Panthers (USFL), Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions.

After another stint in Denver this fall, Davis will now get a fresh start in Cleveland, his fourth NFL team.

Elsewhere on the ex-Bronco front, defensive lineman DeShawn Williams re-signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad after being cut from the active roster earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Austin Schlottmann has been designated to return from injured reserve with the New York Giants, quarterback Ben DiNucci joined the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad and running back Royce Freeman landed on the practice squad of the Chicago Bears.

As for the Broncos, their active roster and practice squad are full going into Week 15.

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Jameis Winston had an all-time great quote after 3 INTs vs. Broncos

“I’m just like praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-sixes,” Jameis Winston said after losing to the Broncos on Monday.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston had a wild game in a crazy 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football in Week 13.

Winston threw for 497 yards and four touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. After the game, Winston delivered an all-time great quote in his post-game press conference.

“In times like this, it’s an opportunity to continue to glorify the Lord even through the toughest circumstances,” Winston said. “I know I’m better than this. I know — like I’m just like praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-sixes. Like that’s just — that’s not me. Like, phenomenal game, offenses do some great things, but I mess it up.”

That clip from his press conference quickly went viral and reactions are pouring in.

“There is no one like this guy, incredible TV on and off the field. Can’t wait for his post career podcast lol,” one fan wrote.

A Broncos fan chimed in: “This guy is so good for the NFL. I love watching him play. I hope he gets another big contract. He’s a good, good dude!”

Added another fan: “My man had his best AND worst game all in one night 💀”

The Browns dropped to 3-9 on Monday while the Broncos improved to 8-5.

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Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 9 win over Browns

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the win over the Browns.

In Week 9, the Chargers defeated the Browns, 27-10.

En route to victory, there were some standout performers and others who did not contribute as much.

That said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

OT Rashawn Slater — 75.7

QB Justin Herbert — 74.7

WR Ladd McConkey — 72.6

WR Joshua Palmer — 70.8

WR Quentin Johnston — 70.1

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Khalil Mack — 89.0

LB Troy Dye — 86.9

S Derwin James — 85.7

S Alohi Gilman — 81.4

CB Tarheeb Still — 79.4

Bottom 5 Offense

OL Zion Johnson — 41.9

TE Will Dissly — 45.7

TE Eric Tomlinson — 51.5

RB Kimani Vidal — 51.9

WR Jalen Reagor — 53.8

Bottom 5 Defense

EDGE Joey Bosa — 46.0

CB Cam Hart — 47.6

DL Otito Ogbonnia — 48.0

LB Denzel Perryman — 53.3

EDGE Bud Dupree — 64.0

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Browns

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 27-10 win over the Browns.

The Chargers beat the Browns on Sunday afternoon, improving to 5-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 9 win.

It was over when…

The Chargers went up 20-3 right before the half. The offense was rolling, and the defense was stymying Jameis Winston and company. The defensive dominance carried over into the second half.

Notable number

According to NextGen Stats, Justin Herbert has reached 100+ passing yards on passes over ten air yards in three straight games since their Week 5 bye. He totaled just 145 yards on such attempts in Weeks 1-4.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert put together yet another strong performance, completing 18-of-27 passes for 282 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: Johnston led the team in receiving with 118 yards on four catches, including a 66-yard TD.
  3. Defense: 6 sacks, 3 interceptions

Quick hits

  • The Chargers defense pitched a near-shutout. Jesse Minter’s unit allowed a field goal before a garbage-time touchdown in the final minute. The Browns managed only 57 yards in the first half. They sacked Jameis Winston six times and picked him off three times.
  • The Chargers had the best scoring defense coming into the game, and they only improved as they gave up just 10 points.
  • Fifth-round pick Tarheeb Still played a vital role in the defense’s solid day. Still had an interception and two passes defended.
  • The interior pass rush hasn’t been effective this season, but they finally got a spark from Morgan Fox, who had two sacks.
  • The run defense was stout, limiting Nick Chubb to just 2.9 yards per carry.
  • Herbert posted his third straight total of over 275 passing yards and second consecutive contest of multiple passing touchdowns. He also didn’t throw an interception, marking his sixth straight game without a pick.
  • J.K. Dobbins had two rushing touchdowns, including a scamper for 34, but he was largely ineffective outside of that carry as he struggled to find running room.
  • The Chargers’ second-half offensive struggles popped up again. They only managed one first down on their first five drives.

What’s next?

The Chargers are back home to face the Titans next Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1:05 pm PT.

Chargers highlight: Tarheeb Still, Elijah Molden combine for the interception vs. Browns

That was Jameis Winston’s 100th career interception.

Elijah Molden has his third interception of the season.

The Chargers allowed the Browns to engineer a 14 play, 65 yard drive to open the second half as Cleveland grinded their way all the way to LA’s 5 yard line. On first and goal, a Jameis Winston slant to Cedric Tillman was dropped before a hard hit by linebacker Troy Dye, setting up second and goal.

With Tarheeb Still in the game for the injured Ja’Sir Taylor, who left with a fibula injury he’s been dealing with for the better part of the season, Winston looked his way. The fifth round rookie was lined up against Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland’s best receiver this season.

Jeudy ran a corner route as Winston tried to layer the ball over Still’s head, but the rookie got up and tipped the ball with one hand. The tip brought the ball back into the field of play with no other Browns players near it, allowing Molden to safely make the catch and get down for a touchback.

The interception widens Molden’s team lead in picks, as he is the only Chargers player with multiple interceptions on the season. It was also Winston’s 100th career interception.

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Chargers vs. Browns: Going behind enemy lines to preview Week 9 matchup

To get an idea of what to expect from the Chargers’ Week 9 opponent, we went Behind Enemy Lines with Browns Wire editor Cory Kinnan.

The Chargers head to Cleveland on Sunday for an AFC matchup with the Browns. Both rosters look vastly different from the last time the two teams played in 2022.

To get an idea of what to expect from the Browns, we went Behind Enemy Lines with Browns Wire editor Cory Kinnan.

What impact has Jameis Winston’s insertion into the starting lineup had on this Browns offense?

It’s pretty hard to deny the impact of the quarterback position in Cleveland after seeing Joe Flacco routinely throw for 300 yards, then none for the first seven games of the 2024 season, then one the week a quarterback change happened. This is a talented roster, and the most important aspect inserting Winston changes is the protection up front. With Winston getting the ball out on time, the pass protection looks night-and-day different.

Cleveland is playing like a league-average defense after finishing first in EPA/play last season. What’s changed on that unit?

They kind of got back into a rhythm last week against the Ravens. Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. has certainly shown some regression, which is hurting the defense as a whole. For the most part, however, they have just been on the field way too much. With sustained offensive drives a week ago, the defense was able to catch its breath and retake the field well-rested.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was ruled out early in the week. How does his absence affect what the Browns want to do defensively?

Losing a battery in the middle of the defense is not easy, especially with their MIKE linebacker out as well in Jordan Hicks. However, they have gotten stellar play out of former undrafted linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, which softens the blow. However, Devin Bush will likely start at WILL in place of Owusu-Koramoah, and that is a massive blow to the Browns defensively. There is no replacing the ability to avoid blocks and instantly shoot gaps that Owusu-Koramoah brings to the field.

How close is Nick Chubb to 100%? Should Chargers fans be worried about him going for 134 yards and 2 TDs as he did last time these two teams met?

He showed signs of his old self last week against the Ravens, finding narrow backside cuts that only a select view backs have the vision to hunt out. Chubb has shown he’s not bracing for contact and isn’t fearing initiating it, either. He’s pretty close if he isn’t 100 percent yet. The run blocking up front is the main issue here, not the health of Chubb.

What’s your score prediction for the game?

This Browns roster is excellent. They were a year ago and had been anchored by inept quarterback play. They could still make a run in a down AFC over the next few weeks. That run continues this week. It won’t be easy against a physical and well-coached Chargers team, but the Browns pull it out 27-24.

5 Browns players to watch vs. Chargers

The Browns look like a different team with Jameis Winston at quarterback, which should make for a solid Week 9 matchup against the Chargers.

It’s been a disappointing year for the Browns after they went 11-6 and made the postseason in 2023. The AFC North side has already matched its loss total from last year, as they are 2-6 through two months of the season.

The Browns did upset the Ravens last week though, and the offense looks completely different with Jameis Winston under center. With that, here are some players that the Chargers will have to keep an eye on this upcoming weekend.

RB Nick Chubb

One of the best running backs in the league when healthy, Chubb returned to action in Week 7 after a gruesome knee injury last year. In his first two games of the year, he’s ran for 74 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. After just 30 snaps in his season debut, he ramped up to playing 60% of the team’s offensive snaps in Week 8. Expect that number to continue to increase, and the Chargers defense must contain them if they want to win this game.

TE David Njoku

After the best season of his career in 2023, Njoku is rounding back into that form over the last few weeks. In the last two games, he’s caught 15 passes for 137 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He’s one of the best tight ends in the NFL when healthy and with Winston now at quarterback, he has someone that can get him the ball. Slowing Njoku down should be the Chargers’ #1 priority in the passing game.

RT Jack Conklin

The trenches will be where this game will be won on both sides of the ball. Conklin will likely face Khalil Mack most of the game, and that will be the matchup of the day. Mack continues to be an elite edge rusher for Los Angeles, and Conklin has been solid in 2024.

EDGE Za’Darius Smith

While Myles Garrett gets all of the attention, Smith is still quite the player at 32 years old. The Chargers’ elite offensive tackle duo will have their hands full on Sunday with the Browns pass rush. In eight games this season, the three-time Pro Bowler has 5.0 sacks in addition to five tackles for loss. Smith is on pace for the fourth double-digit sack campaign of his career.

S Juan Thornhill

The former Chiefs safety has helped solidify the safety position for the Browns in 2024. He’s played in just three games as he dealt with a calf injury for awhile, but he’s now back in the lineup. Albeit in limited action, Thornhill has been highly effective against the run this season. We’ll see what kind of impact he has against J.K. Dobbins and the Chargers’ rushing attack.

Chargers’ first injury report ahead of Week 9 vs. Browns

Check in on the health of the Chargers heading into their Week 9 matchup with the Browns

The Chargers had their first practice on Wednesday in preparation for the Week 9 game against the Browns.

Los Angeles had four non-participants: Tight end Will Dissly (shoulder), cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring), linebacker Denzel Perryman (toe) and tight end Stone Smartt (ankle).

Edge defender Joey Bosa (hip), wide receiver D.J. Chark (groin), WR Derius Davis (hamstring), defensive lineman Morgan Fox (groin), TE Hayden Hurst (groin), WR Quentin Johnston (ankle), EDGE Khalil Mack (non-injury related), WR Ladd McConkey (hip), WR Brenden Rice (shoulder) and CB Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula) were limited.

The Chargers are hopeful Chark and Johnston can play this weekend. Chark has yet to make his debut with the team and Johnston has missed the last two games.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 9 opponent: Browns

Here are some important things to know about the Browns ahead of the Week 9 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are on the road to face the Browns on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 11:00 a.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 9 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Browns are 2-6 on the season. Cleveland is coming off a 29-24 win over the Ravens. Before that, they had lost five straight games.

Jameis provides a spark

Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, and Winston got the start in Week 8 against the Ravens. The veteran journeyman stepped up in a big way, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. His performance was a much-needed boost for a struggling offense. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Winston will continue to start at quarterback.

Stalled on the ground

The Browns’ rushing offense hasn’t been anything to write home about. Nick Chubb, who suffered a gruesome injury last season, is back in the fold. Slowly working his way back, Chubb has carried the ball 27 times for 74 yards and a touchdown in his two games. Overall, Cleveland is 27th in rushing, averaging only 92.5 yards per carry.

Middle-of-the-pack defense

The Browns rank 18th in points allowed (23.3 ppg), 12th against the pass (200.6 yards per game) and 18th against the run (125.9 ypg). Cleveland could be without a couple of defensive starters. Cornerback Denzel Ward is in concussion protocol. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is out with a neck injury. Jordan Hicks has been out the last three of four contests with an elbow/triceps injury.

Look out for…

Edge rushers Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt have been lights out this season, and they must continue to play at a high level against two premier pass rushers. Garrett and Smith have 36 and 24 quarterback pressures, respectively.