Tag: Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Browns inactive list for Week 12 is a short one

Denzel Ward is the biggest name sitting out for the Browns

Faced with a depleted roster heading into the Week 12 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Cleveland Browns didn’t have many decisions to make on who to designate inactive for the game.

Coach Kevin Stefanski only had to put four names on the inactive list against the Jaguars. Two of those, CB Denzel Ward and S Sheldrick Redwine, were already ruled out due to injuries. They are joined by RB Dontrell Hilliard and OL Nick Harris.

The Browns have just 51 players on the active roster due to COVID-19 issues. With five players on the reserve/COVID-19 list and only three players elevated from the practice squad, they only needed to keep four players inactive.

The Jaguars revealed their inactives, which include WR Chris Conley and QB Gardner Minshew, in video form,

Browns vs. Jaguars: Week 12 Jags Wire staff picks and predictions

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) and Cleveland Browns (7-3) will meet at TIAA Bank Field Sunday for a game that has the potential to be competitive. However, both teams will have some injury and COVID-19 related hurdles to get past, which may not make …

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) and Cleveland Browns (7-3) will meet at TIAA Bank Field Sunday for a game that has the potential to be competitive. However, both teams will have some injury and COVID-19 related hurdles to get past, which may not make it the easiest to watch.

Still, Week 12’s matchup feels like the it’s one the Browns should win in the eyes of the national media. That said, here are our thoughts on how the game could go as the Jags host their second consecutive competitors from the AFC North:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Browns 21, Jags 14

This game initially felt like one that was favorable for the Browns, and while it still is, their roster will be severely depleted (especially at defensive end) like the Jags. With that being the case, a shoot out isn’t out of the realm of possibilities, but the confidence in Mike Glennon just isn’t there for me.

That said, the Jags should rely heavily on running back James Robinson. If they do that, this will go down as another competitive game.

Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Browns 20, Jags 10

There have been times this season where the Browns have looked elite, then times where they’ve looked just absolutely abysmal. While they’ve won three of their last four, the argument can be made that none of those wins have been impressive. That being said, with Mike Glennon making his first start as a Jaguar without D.J. Chark and a veteran presence like Chris Conley, this one is probably going to be an ugly game to watch. The Browns have shown an infinity of playing down to the competition, but I still expect the Jaguars losing ways to continue.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Browns 28, Jags 14

The Jags are in the midst of a nine-game losing streak. During the streak, the Jags have played some of their best ball and some of the worst. I expect the trend of inconsistencies to continue when the Jags host the Browns. James Robinson will continue to be a bright spot for the team and has another solid day, but it isn’t enough to beat Baker Mayfield and company.

Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis): Browns 27, Jags 13

Another week, another starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they face off at home against the Cleveland Browns. This week, the quarterback happens to be former Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft pick, Mike Glennon. An already underwhelming secondary is battered and beat and doesn’t look ready for a Browns team fighting for a playoff bid. The Jaguars will once again have to call on rookie James Robinson in order to stay competitive in this one.

Will Frost (@willfrost_): Browns 27, Jags 10

Whilst their injuries aren’t as damaging as the situations in Baltimore and Denver, the Jaguars are fielding a shell of their already inexperienced roster this afternoon. With Nick Chubb back healthy and the Browns looking to secure a record of at least .500 since 2007, things could get ugly fast in this one.

Ronnie Harrison: ‘God had his hand’ in bringing the safety to the Browns

Harrison quickly got over his shock at being dealt to Cleveland

Ronnie Harrison is returning home in Week 12. The Browns starting safety played collegiately at Florida State and spent the first pat of his NFL career in Jacksonville, the site of Sunday’s game. While Harrison is happy to be going back, he’s even happier to be able to leave as a proud member of the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns traded for Harrison just before the season after second-round pick Grant Delpit was lost due to injury. Harrison was a starter for the Jaguars as a third-round pick in 2018, but he apparently didn’t mesh with their long-term plan.

The Jaguars are 1-9 and haven’t won since Week 1. Harrison now starts for the 7-3 Browns and has grown more comfortable and impactful in Joe Woods’ defense by the week.

“God had his hand on this one,’’ Harrison said in a Zoom this week about coming to Cleveland from Jacksonville. “It’s been great. I couldn’t even imagine a better place or a better fit for me. I feel comfortable, and I like it here.”

He didn’t feel that way at first. Understandably, Harrison was shocked at being traded away from a place where he was comfortable.

“Really, I was kind of heartbroken at the moment just because of how fast everything happened,’’ Harrison said. “I didn’t really know what to expect up here. I just knew it was cold. I knew they had a couple of good guys on offense and they had a couple players, especially on defense, as well. Really, I was kind of shocked in the moment. I really was not even putting too much thought into Cleveland.”

On Sunday, Harrison gets a chance to prove the Jaguars made a poor business decision in trading him away.

Browns vs. Jags: 3 keys to a Jacksonville victory

The Jags are dealing with several injuries, but have a chance to beat the Browns if their interior defensive line holds up against the run.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) limped out of their Week 11 battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers and will now be tasked with defeating another AFC North team that is playing well in the Cleveland Browns (7-3). When considering the fact that Cleveland is dealing with personnel issues of their own, too, the game is one that could be close.

If the Jags are to win, they will need several things to go their way. Here are a few keys we think could help them upset Cleveland at TIAA Bank Field Sunday:

Play keep away and get the offense going through RB James Robinson

Both the Browns and Jags will be down several key members of their rosters due to either the league’s COVID-19 protocol or injuries. That’s especially the case on defense, which oddly enough means the Browns and Jags have a chance for a shoot out.

In Jacksonville’s case, it just wouldn’t be smart to shy away from running back James Robinson Sunday afternoon, because when they do, the results aren’t all that great. He’s been phenomenal for the team, routinely breaking undrafted rookie records, and has also been the most consistent weapon for the Jags.

Robinson will enter the game with 172 carries for 762 rushing yards and five touchdowns, which is good for the highest rushing total amongst rookies and is the third-highest in the NFL. That means Sunday needs to be a 20-plus carry day for him as the Jags will be starting a new quarterback in Mike Glennon while their wounded defense is expected to allow a lot of points.

Don’t forget about the tandem of Keelan Cole and Laviska Shenault Jr.

The Jags’ receiving corps was hit hard with injuries this week as D.J. Chark Jr. (ribs) and Chris Conley (hip) were ruled out. As a result, the Jags’ receiving corps will be a group that consists of Keelan Cole Sr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Trey Quinn, and Collin Johnson.

Due to being the most experienced member of the group, Cole is going to have to rise to the occasion and lead the way — something he’s thrived at during a contract year. That shouldn’t be all that hard to do with the Browns’ pass-rush situation as Myles Garrett and Porter Gustin both are on the Reserve/ COVID-19 list.

The Jags will also need Shenault, who is coming off a hamstring injury, to help in the short passing game. Chances are Glennon will need to get the ball out of his hands quickly due to being without Andre Norwell. Who better to go to for that than Shenault, who is a monster after the catch.

The Jags interior rotation needs a strong day

The Browns’ bread and butter on offense is their run game and they will come into Sunday’s game ranked third in the league in rushing. Nick Chubb is one of the best rushers in football and will come into the game with 96 attempts for 575 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, his partner in crime, Kareem Hunt, will come into the game with an even higher rushing total of 644 yards.

Simply put, this means the Jags have a chance if they can stop the run. It will fall on rookies DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin, as well as Taven Bryan. However, the trio will have their hands full with an impressive interior offensive line as Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, and Wyatt Teller have Pro Football Focus grades of 83.8, 79.1, and 95.6, respectfully. Simply put, that means fans would be hard-pressed to find a better group.

Hamilton and Costin certainly won’t be intimidated, though, as Hamilton looks like the Jags’ nose tackle of the future and Costin has a 71.9 PFF grade, good for 32nd at his position. If the pair can have a day much like we saw against the Houston Texans Week 9 and avoid wearing down in the fourth quarter, this game definitely could be a close one.

Gimme him: 1 player for the Jags to steal from the Browns

The Browns have a lot of talented players the Jags could use but RG Wyatt Teller would be a huge addition for them.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be taking the field for their tenth game of the 2020 season Sunday as they play host to the Cleveland Browns. The team that will take the field against the Jags this week is one that is playing some of the best football their fans have- seen in a long time with a 7-3 record.

When looking at their roster, it shouldn’t come as a surprise as there is talent on both sides of the ball. With that being the case, we figured this would be the perfect time to hypothetically take a player from their roster as we occasionally do when evaluating the Jags’ opponents.

To make it interesting, we decided to stick with the players who will take the field Sunday, and despite injuries and COVID-19 affecting the roster, there are still a lot of good choices. Of course, the Jags need the most help on defense, however, the Browns’ top graded stars are mostly out, which brings us to the offense.

When evaluating the unit as a whole, there are several directions the Jags could go. The most notable names of the group undoubtedly are tailback Nick Chubb and receiver Jarvis Landry. However, the issue for the Jags with adding either is that they would be luxury snags as the Jags have a WR/RB duo of their own in D.J. Chark and James Robinson.

With that being the case, I zoned in on the Browns’ offensive line, which has several players playing well and has four players on it with a grade of 79.1 or higher, according to Pro Football Focus. The guard play in particular has been solid with Joel Bitonio registering an 83.8 overall grade on the left and Wyatt Teller registering a 95.6 at right guard. Both grades are good for fifth and first at the left and right guard, respectfully, making either choice a solid one. That said, I went with Teller.

While the Jags’ offensive line is one that a better quarterback could get by with, Teller would be a significant upgrade. His run-block grade of 94.6, in particular, is impressive (also good for first at his position), which would only help James Robinson that much more when running to the right. Heck, with the way Teller is playing, Robinson might have an even easier path to becoming Offensive Rookie of the Year, which is a goal he’s recently discussed.

When both teams take the field, Teller might not be a name the announcers mention much but make no mistake about it, he’ll need to have a big impact for the Browns to win. They will enter Week 12’s game without a lot of their stars, which means Chubb and the run game needs a strong day if the Browns are to win.

Jaguars have some major injury issues heading into meeting with Browns

Most of the Jaguars you’ve heard of won’t be playing in Week 12

Don’t be surprised if the CBS broadcast crew takes a little extra time to identify the players on the field for the Jacksonville defense when the Browns play the Jaguars this Sunday. Given all the injuries to the Jaguars, the players themselves might need tape on the front of the helmet like it’s minicamp to know who exactly is on the field.

The Jaguars have major injury issues on defense. Two regular starters on the defensive line are out for game, DT Abry Jones and EDGE Josh Allen. Jones is the team’s best run defender, while Allen is the top pass rusher with his 2.5 sacks in eight games.

It’s even worse for the secondary. As Mike Clay of ESPN noted on Twitter, the top three cornerbacks are all out with injury. One of those is first-round rookie C.J. Henderson, along with Sidney Jones and D.J. Hayden. Dime back Chris Claybrooks is also on I.R.. Jones could play against the Browns but it’s doubtful with his lingering Achilles injury.

But wait, there’s more…

The Jaguars’ top safety, Josh Jones, is also on injured reserve. So is fifth-round rookie Daniel Thomas, who started the last three games in his place and acquitted himself pretty well.

Oh yeah, the kicker. Regular kicker Josh Lambo is on I.R. and his replacement, Chase McLaughlin, is on the Jaguars’ reserve/COVID-19 list.

The 1-9 Jaguars will also start journeyman Mike Glennon at quarterback with Gardner Minshew still not 100% and rookie Jake Luton 100% not the answer to replace him in his two starts.

Jags to start veteran QB Mike Glennon vs. Browns

The Jags have benched Jake Luton in favor of veteran QB Mike Glennon as the team prepares for the Browns.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be enduring their third change at quarterback Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns as veteran Mike Glennon has been given the nod to start. Jags coach Doug Marrone made the announcement Wednesday morning as Gardner Minshew II continues to recover from a thumb injury.

Marrone’s decision comes after the Jags had to start rookie Jake Luton the past three weeks. He had a respectable game against the Houston Texans, but struggled against the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He’ll now finish his three-start run with a 54.5% completion rate (60-of-110) for 624 yards, two touchdowns, and six picks.

Sunday’s start against the Browns will mark the 22nd of Glennon’s career. He entered the league in 2013 and has garnered a career completion percentage of 60.9% (488-of-801) for 5,163 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.

Glennon was selected by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the 2013 NFL Draft as a third-round pick (No. 73 overall). Afterward, he spent time with the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, making Jacksonville his fifth stop.

Jaguars announce Mike Glennon will start at QB vs. Browns

The Jaguars are putting Glennon’s neck on the line vs. the Browns

Browns fans expecting to see Gardner Minshew and his epic moustache back under center for the Jacksonville Jaguars when the two teams square off on Sunday will be disappointed. So will the fans hoping for rookie Jake Luton, fresh off his four-INT outing in the Jaguars’ Week 11 loss to the Steelers.

The Jaguars are going in a different direction, putting their necks on the line with journeyman backup Mike Glennon. Jacksonville announced the surprising move on Wednesday.

Glennon hasn’t started a game since 2017, when he was with the Chicago Bears. He lost three of his four starts for the Bears that year, throwing more INTs than TD.

He last played for the then-Oakland Raiders in 2019, throwing just 10 passes as Derek Carr’s backup. Glennon has also played for Arizona and Tampa Bay in his seven-year NFL career. He was the Buccaneers’ primary starter in 2013, his rookie season out of North Carolina State. Glennon went 4-9 with a QB Rating of 83.9 that year.

Browns are heavy favorites over Jaguars even without Myles Garrett

The Cleveland Browns open as heavy favorites over Jaguars even without Myles Garrett

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The sportsbooks appear to be gaining confidence in the 7-3 Cleveland Browns. Or maybe it’s a function of playing a one-win team with quarterback questions. Either way, the Browns are favored to beat the Jaguars in Jacksonville in Week 12 by a touchdown.

Cleveland opened as a 6.5-point favorite over the host Jaguars at BetMGM. The over/under on the game is a healthy 49.5, meaning the expectations are for a 28-21 win or something close to that range.

The Browns earned that line even with the knowledge that star DE Myles Garrett will miss the game. Garrett will remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list for the week after testing positive for the coronavirus last week.

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