For the first time since 2008, the Cleveland Browns have posted a win on Monday Night Football. Freddie Kitchens’ team beat the New York Jets 23-3, and recorded its first triumph of the season.
In a game in which the Jets had absolutely no chances to threaten the guests, we’ve seen a show of Odell Beckham Jr, who had an 89-yard touchdown, setting his new career-high. The former Giants’ player also had a one-hand catch, and was forced to go out because of his visor which has been illegal according to the referees.
All in all, he made quite an impression in his first comeback to the former home, where he became one of the most prominent stars in the NFL.
“Honestly, it was a warm reception. It was nothing but love, and I was just happy for being able — I felt like I lost enough games here, so to leave this one with a win is a good feeling.”
Odell had 6 receptions for 161 yards and was all over the place.
The Jets experienced one very poor night. They couldn’t count on Sam Darnold because of mononucleosis, and his replacement Trevor Siemian suffered an ankle injury in the second period, forcing him to go out. It was Luke Falk who jumped in, making his first appearance for the Jets, just one day after Adam Gase promoted him to the first team. He would end the game with 198 yards, 20 of 25 without touchdowns or interceptions.
“A week ago, I was on the practice squad, and then tonight I’m standing in front of you guys after playing in a game,” Falk said.
Browns had a 13-3 lead at the halftime, with Austin Seibert making two field goals and Nick Chubb carrying the ball into the endzone. The second half saw Seibert bringing another three points and Beckham’s magic.
But despite an easy win, Cleveland wasn’t that confident. Especially Baker Mayfield who had several very bad moves during the game. You can see that from his completion percentage, 19 of 35. He finished the contest with 325 yards one TD and one interception. Clearly, he isn’t playing as expected at the start of this campaign, and the former No.1 pick needs to improve his performances; otherwise, things won’t look good for Cleveland who has an extremely tough schedule in the next few weeks.
At first, they host the LA Rams, and after that head for Baltimore who is on fire. Following that event, Kitchen’s team has another tough road clash, this time versus the 49ers in San Francisco. So, they could experience one nasty losing streak if they don’t sort out several things in their game. The first one should be the penalties, which they had 9 for 85 yards against the Jets.
Meanwhile, Gase and his crew are in a knockdown, and it seems that it is going to be even worse. The Jets have to matches away from home with the last two Super Bowl champions. The first one next week is against the New England Patriots, and the second in Philly vs. the Eagles.
