Cleveland Browns Clinch Playoff Berth with Win over New York Jets
Joe Flacco continues his impressive season, leading the Cleveland Browns to a 37-20 victory over the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football.” Flacco becomes the first player in NFL history to throw for 250+ yards and multiple touchdowns in each of his first five games with a franchise. The Browns signed Flacco in November after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury.
Flacco Shines Once Again
Flacco proves his worth as he leads the Browns to a touchdown on their opening drive for the fourth time in five starts. He finishes the first half with three touchdowns and 296 passing yards, setting a career record. Flacco has consistently thrown for over 300 yards in each of the Browns’ victories during their four-game winning streak.
Tight End David Njoku Impresses
With star receiver Amari Cooper out, David Njoku steps up and records 113 receiving yards in the first quarter alone. Njoku has been playing the best football of his career, with four touchdown catches in his last four games. He is establishing himself as one of the league’s top tight end receiving threats.
Rookie Safety Makes a Pivotal Play
Rookie safety Ronnie Hickman intercepts Trevor Siemian for a 30-yard pick-six in the first quarter, giving the Browns a 20-7 lead. This play sets the tone for the rest of the game and puts the Jets on the defensive.
New York Jets Struggle in Embarrassing Loss
The New York Jets’ hopes of Aaron Rodgers’ return in 2024 solving their issues are proven misguided. The Jets’ third-ranked defense is ill-prepared and gets torched by Flacco, allowing five touchdowns and 367 total yards in the first half alone. The Jets’ decision not to re-sign Flacco when Rodgers was injured in Week 1 now haunts them, as Flacco is enjoying a career revival.
Poor Coverage Plan for Tight End
The Jets’ coverage plan for tight end David Njoku proves to be a major flaw in their game plan. Linebacker C.J. Mosley, who is not known for his pass coverage skills, struggles to contain Njoku, allowing him to finish with 134 yards on six catches.
Silver Linings for the Jets
Despite the loss, Breece Hall impresses with 84 rushing yards and a touchdown reception. Defensive end Jermaine Johnson makes a standout play, returning an interception for a touchdown. Garrett Wilson also reaches 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons, becoming the first Jets player to achieve this since Keyshawn Johnson in 1998-1999.
Season Ends on a Low Note
The Jets’ season ends with a disappointing record of 6-10 and their fourth consecutive year of double-digit losses. There are doubts surrounding Zach Wilson’s return for the final game against the New England Patriots, with Trevor Siemian potentially taking the field instead.