Nick Chubb scores two touchdowns in display of resilience

Former Georgia running back Nick Chubb shows he’s back in his prime despite a the serious knee injury he suffered last year

A few weeks ago, former Georgia Bulldog running back Nick Chubb returned to action for the Cleveland Browns after 13 months of recovery. He continues to overcome the odds, and Thursday gave Georgia fans a sign he’s back in his prime.

Chubb suffered a nasty knee injury in his last game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Cleveland’s 24-19 win over Pittsburgh, he was the focal point of the Cleveland Browns offense because the field was covered in snow. He ran for 59 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team rostering several Georgia Bulldogs, on Thursday Night Football.

Despite former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston committing two turnovers, the 3-8 Browns were able to stun the 8-3 Steelers thanks to Nick Chubb’s performance. Chubb’s performance personified his major comeback.

Nick Chubb posted his first two touchdown game since a 2022 Week 8’s matchup vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

 

 

On top late: Chubb’s second score gives Browns late lead

Nick Chubb, in the first game back against the Steelers since his devastating injury, put the Browns on his back

The Cleveland Browns take the lead late against the Pittsburgh Steelers as running back Nick Chubb scored his second touchdown of the game.

With under a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, Browns Chubb rushed in from two yards out for his second touchdown of the game, giving Cleveland the lead. The Browns attempted a two-point conversion, but the pass to receiver Jerry Jeudy fell incomplete, making the score 24-19.

The drive featured key plays from Jeudy, including a fourth-down conversion on a five-yard reception and a 15-yard catch on a crucial third down. Running back Jerome Ford chipped in with two carries for eight yards, while Chubb added nine yards on the ground.

Jeudy has been the standout player once again, catching all six of his targets for 85 yards with multiple clutch plays. Chubb has carried the ball 20 times for 59 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Jameis Winston has thrown for 219 yards with one interception. The Browns defense will need one last stand to seal the upset in the blizzard.

Browns upend Steelers in snowstorm on Nick Chubb’s second TD of game

Nick Chubb’s second touchdown gives the Browns a win over the Steelers

There’s snow place like home for the Cleveland Browns.

In an absolute whiteout on Thursday, Nick Chubb scored his second touchdown of the game on a two-yard run with 57 seconds left and the Browns escaped with a 24-19 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC North clash.

In the fickle world of the NFL, Cleveland is 3-8, and has defeated the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at home while losing there to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Steelers are 8-3, and all the losses have come to teams that now have sub-.500 records. In addition to losing to the Browns, the Steelers have lost to the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys.

The Browns looked to be in control of the game, taking an 18-6 lead midway through the fourth quarter on an acrobatic run by Jameis Winston and two-point conversion.

However, prosperity was not going to be easy for the Browns. Pittsburgh scored two touchdowns in 102 seconds to take a 19-18 lead. The second touchdown, a pass from Russell Wilson to Calvin Austin III was set up after the Steelers picked off a Winston pass.

The Browns’ final drive was anything but an artistic success in the snow. It was nine plays over 45 yards and took 2:25.

On the drive, Cleveland made its lone third-down conversion attempt of the game. The Browns wound up 1-of-10 on third down. In a weird coincidence, Cleveland was 4-of-4 on fourth down.

On the board: Chubb gives Browns the lead on Thursday Night Football

Nick Chubb scores and Cleveland rejoices

The Cleveland Browns take the lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football thanks to a rushing touchdown from Nick Chubb.

Halfway through the second quarter, Chubb finished off a 12-play, 80-yard drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown. After going down 3-0 on the previous drive, Cleveland responded with a methodical drive to take the lead on Thursday Night Football against their AFC North foe.

Quarterback Jameis Winston got the drive going through the air, connecting with Jerry Jeudy on three straight attempts for 39 yards. He also connected with tight end David Njoku, receiver Elijah Moore, and Chubb to go six-for-six on the scoring drive. Chubb and Jerome Ford got the ground game going, with 13 and nine yards, respectively. Winston is now up to eight of 10 on the night for 72 yards, while the Browns have averaged 3.6 yards per carry on the ground.

Despite some cold and wet conditions, the offenses have picked up in the second quarter. Cleveland’s defense has been strong outside of a few explosive plays and will look to hold steady for an upset win over the rival Steelers.

Saints starting linebacker expected to play through injury vs. Browns

Pete Werner is a gametime decision, but he is expected to play as the Saints aim to continue Nick Chubb’s slow return from injury:

The New Orleans Saints are expected to have their full compliment of linebackers against the Cleveland Browns. While Demario Davis and Willie Gay were healthy, Pete Werner was managing a hand injury that kept him out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

At Friday’s practice, Werner was able to get on the field in a limited capacity. That didn’t add any certainty to his status for Sunday, as Werner was listed as a game time decision. Per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, the expectation is Werner will play.

The Saints will need all of their linebackers to contribute versus the Browns. Nick Chubb has struggled to regain form since returning from injury, but you still remember the player he used to be and know he can snap back at any moment.

Cleveland will look to run the ball, so having Davis, Werner, and Gay all at your disposal will help neutralize that aspect of the offense.

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Saints can’t allow Nick Chubb to have a bounce-back performance

Nick Chubb has struggled since returning from a major injury, and the Browns’ bye week may have been exactly what he needed. The Saints can’t allow him to bounce back:

This can’t be the game Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb returns to form, not if the New Orleans Saints want to win a second consecutive week.

Prior to being injured at the beginning of the 2023 season, Chubb was one of the best running backs in the league. There was hopes he could help add a spark to the Cleveland Browns offense upon his return. That simply didn’t happen.

Chubb’s best game was against Baltimore, where he averaged 3.2 yards per carry and ended with 52 yards.

Struggles should have been expected, and surpassing those expectations should have been a welcomed surprise.

Coming off a bye week seems like an optimal time for Chubb to step up his performance. Facing the Saints’ struggling also presents a chance to return to form. Missed tackles have plagued New Orleans this year.

Allowing Chubb to have a bounce back game will allow to the Browns to unlock their preferred method of offense. It also attacks the weaker point of the Saints defense. That’s a double whammy New Orleans can’t afford.

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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 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.

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.