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Odell Beckham Jr. Need Not Apply: Dallas Cowboys Are Already a Contender
Dec 5, 2022
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) carries the ball during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Indianapolis Colts on December 4, 2022 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A potential Odell Beckham Jr. signing is a luxury for the Dallas Cowboys. The team is already built to win at a high level now. In fact, Jerry Jones' squad is operating at a Super Bowl standard with a 9-3 record.
With Sunday's 54-19 victory over the spiraling-into-the-abyss Indianapolis Colts, the Cowboys did what good teams should do: They didn't play their best ball yet still found ways to win. Not only did Dallas capture another tally in the win column, the contest quickly became a blowout in the fourth quarter.
During victory Monday, the organization will celebrate by hosting Beckham. The open flirtation between these two parties has been as embarrassing as teenage public displays of affection.
Coincidentally, Beckham tweeted he "will return to greatness" a day before the visit.
A week ago, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that the Cowboys were "moving full steam ahead" in pursuit of the 30-year-old wide receiver. An incident aboard an American Airlines flight last week where Beckham had to be removed from the plane for reportedly going "in and out of consciousness" didn't even faze Jones.
"It did not," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan (h/t The Athletic's Jon Machota). "His overall team compatibility, his judgment, his behavior is not an issue with him. It is with many, but not with him."
The owner didn't mince words on why he wanted to sign the target, who hasn't played since he tore his ACL in Super Bowl LVI.
"We have to have this year," Jones said. "It's very important, the things we do to have him impact this year. This year has to be a big part of it. We have six regular-season games and the playoffs, we have, in my mind, almost the whole show ahead of us. We got to have a situation where he can really contribute now."
Jerry Jones watches before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Cowboys don't really, though. A move born out of desperation after years of disappointment could upset the balance of one of the NFL's best teams.
The fourth-quarter performance showed exactly why the Cowboys are so dangerous as currently constructed. They're not reliant on a singular player or one phase of the game. Their roster is as well-rounded as any.
Entering Sunday's final frame, the Cowboys held a tenuous two-point lead. The Colts moved the ball late in the third quarter, which resulted in an impressive 15-yard scoring grab by rookie wide receiver Alec Pierce.
From that point forward, Dallas scored 33 unanswered points in a variety of manners:
Wide receiver Michael Gallup snagged a three-yard lob pass from quarterback Dak Prescott.
Safety Malik Hooker converted a 38-yard scoop-and-score after Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox fumbled.
Tony Pollard ripped off a 30-yard touchdown run against one of the league's best rushing defenses. In fact, the Cowboys gained 79 rushing yards over expected against an Indianapolis defense that had previously allowed the fewest in the category, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Ezekiel Elliott slammed his way into the end zone from four yards out for Dallas' penultimate score.
Third-string running back Malik Davis called game when the undrafted rookie went up the gut for a 23-yard touchdown.
With the scoreboard stuck on tilt, the Cowboys forced four turnovers during that stretch. DaRon Bland, who stepped in for injured cornerback Anthony Brown, grabbed a pair of interceptions. Unfortunately, Brown looks to have suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, according to Jones.
The 33 unanswered fourth-quarter points became the second-most ever in NFL history, per ESPN Stats & Info. It's also Dallas' sixth game with four or more takeaways since Dan Quinn took over as defensive coordinator, which is the most by any unit since the start of the 2021 campaign.
Players all over the roster are having an impact for Dallas. McCarthy's group has won five of their last six games, with the only loss coming in overtime to the Green Bay Packers.
Odell Beckham Jr. is seen on the sidelines before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
The possible addition of the mercurial wide receiver could upset the balance within the current setup. However, a healthy Beckham could be beneficial based purely on his skill set. After all, he provided the Los Angeles Rams a spark last season after the Cleveland Browns released him last November.
But his health remains in question, and Jones clearly stated Beckham's addition is based on what he can do right now.
"There is 'considerable doubt' around the league about just how healthy Beckham is, one NFC executive said, and whether he'll really be able to contribute much this season," FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano reported.
Besides, competition for the wide receiver's services remains stiff. Beckham already visited the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. Suspiciously, Beckham's free-agent stops have not and will not include on-field workouts, according to the New York Post's Paul Schwartz.
ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported that Beckham prefers a reunion with the Giants. Dallas' NFC East counterpart is certainly more desperate to land his services since New York has next to nothing among its wide receiver corps.
Furthermore, the G-Men fell 1.5 games behind the Cowboys for second place in the division with Sunday's tie against the Washington Commanders.
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Dallas already features numerous weapons.
Elliott and Pollard are a dynamic duo in the backfield. CeeDee Lamb is a slippery and explosive top target. Gallup caught two touchdown passes against the Colts. Tight end Dalton Schultz is currently designated as the organization's franchise player after getting the tag last offseason.
The return on investment in Beckham, who is looking for a multi-year deal, might be minimal, especially in the short term.
"We've just got to get down to a contract, an amount and health," Jones reiterated after the game. "There's no question in my mind that under the right circumstances, he can help us."
As of now, Dallas is very much in the conversation as the second-best team the NFC has to offer, only behind the Philadelphia Eagles. Jones doesn't need to be blinded by shiny objects or make another splashy signing.
The Cowboys are for real. They can beat anyone in the NFL. An addition just to make one at this point of the season isn't enough reason to possibly disturb everything going right at the moment.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Cowboys' Jerry Jones: Ezekiel Elliott Didn't Start vs. Colts Due to Discipline Issue
Dec 5, 2022
Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed after Sunday's 54-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts that star running back Ezekiel Elliott didn't start because of a disciplinary reason.
Jones added that the issue was nothing major.
Jerry Jones said Ezekiel Elliott didn’t start tonight because of a disciplinary reason
Jerry Jones said Zeke Elliott not starting tonight was related to some sort of disciplinary matter during the week — not a major deal, he said it was like a phone going off in a meeting or something of that nature.
Elliott entered Sunday's game having rushed for 577 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games, in addition to catching eight passes for 40 yards. He and Tony Pollard form one of the best running back duos in the NFL.
The Cowboys improved to 9-3 on the season with the win. They will be back in action on Dec. 11 against the Houston Texas.
'Total Disaster' Matt Ryan Ripped by Twitter During Colts' Blowout Loss to Cowboys
Dec 5, 2022
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 04: Matt Ryan #2 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Matt Ryan trade is proving to be a disaster for the Indianapolis Colts as they continue to search for a reliable signal-caller in the post-Andrew Luck era.
Indianapolis fell to the Dallas Cowboys 54-19 on Sunday night at AT&T Stadium, and Ryan was a big reason why the Colts dropped to 4-8-1 on the season.
Ryan completed 21-of-37 passes for 233 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He posted a passer rating of 59.8, and the Colts posted a total of five turnovers.
It was a continuation of what has been an underwhelming year for the former Atlanta Falcon. After starting the team's first seven games of the season, Ryan, who suffered a Grade 2 shoulder sprain, was benched for Sam Ehlinger in Week 8, though the move would have happened regardless of the veteran's injury.
Ehlinger was expected to start the remainder of the season for the Colts, but new head coach Jeff Saturday went back to Ryan in a Week 10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and Ryan has started ever since.
Following his latest blunder against the Cowboys, NFL Twitter ripped Ryan as a complete and utter disaster:
Matt Ryan is just a total disaster. These throws are horrible. Another turnover.
Matt Ryan's 13th interception of the season and second game with at least 3 picks. Wouldn't be surprised if we saw Nick Foles on the next drive. #Colts
Ryan entered Sunday's game having completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 2,642 yards and 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 10 games.
The 37-year-old is under contract with the Colts through the 2023 campaign with a cap hit of $35.2 million, per Spotrac. However, it's unclear if he'll still be on the roster beyond this season, and releasing him would cost the Colts $18 million against the 2023 salary cap.
At this point, the Colts should be shifting their attention to some of the best quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL draft class, especially considering they'll likely have the opportunity to land one of the best young signal-callers in the nation.
Bengals Finally Banish Super Bowl Hangover and Look Like Genuine NFL Title Contenders
Dec 5, 2022
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts after carrying the ball for a first down during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 3, 2022, at the Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
For a time this season, it appeared that the Cincinnati Bengals
were going to be the latest victim of the "Super Bowl hangover" that has often plagued losers of football's biggest game in the past. The Bengals dropped
their first two matchups of the season and were just 4-4 at the eight-game
mark.
But something happened after the Bengals were embarrassed by
the Browns in Cleveland on Halloween. Maybe it was getting thumped by a
mediocre division rival or a matter of things falling into place. But the
Bengals dropped a piano on the Carolina Panthers the following Sunday, and they haven't
lost a game since.
On Sunday, the Bengals faced their stiffest test of the season as Patrick Mahomes and the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs came to town. In beating the Chiefs for a third straight
time, the Bengals served notice to the rest of the league.
If there was a hangover, it's long gone now. These Bengals
are every bit as good as last year's team and quite possibly better. And what's more, Cincinnati
is playing as well as any team in the NFL as we head into December and the
stretch run.
As Charlie Goldsmith wrote for the Cincinnati
Enquirer before Sunday's rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game,
Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said he expected the same
thing most fans and pundits did—an exciting, back-and-forth affair between
two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals scrambles with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Paycor Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
"Anytime you get premiere players like Mahomes and Burrow
together and in a game, it's just great for competition," Callahan said. "It's
great for the sport. If you're a fan, it's got to be exciting to want to go
watch that. They're just two really, really talented competitors."
He wasn't wrong. Sunday's game absolutely lived up to the hype,
with Burrow and Mahomes exchanging haymakers. For the third time in as many
meetings, it was Burrow who was the last man standing.
Outplaying Patrick Mahomes is no small feat, but Burrow did
it again Sunday. He completed 25 of 31 passes for 286 yards and two scores
while rushing for a third touchdown. Burrow's passer rating for the game was 128.6—over
30 points higher than Mahomes'. Every time the Chiefs appeared on the brink of
taking over the game, Burrow calmly put together a drive.
Burrow didn't do it himself, of course.
With running back
Joe Mixon on the shelf for a second successive week because of a concussion, reserve
running back Samaje Perine came up big with 21 carries, half a dozen catches and
over 150 total yards. In his first game since injuring his hip in Week 7,
Ja'Marr Chase looked to be as dangerous and explosive as ever, catching seven
of eight targets for 97 yards. Tee Higgins, who stepped into the No. 1 role
while Chase was out, chipped in three catches for 35 yards and a score. Slot
receiver Tyler Boyd posted four catches for 60 yards.
It was a reminder just how loaded the Cincinnati offense is
with skill-position talent. But any symphony is only as good as its conductor,
and Chase told
reporters after the win that there's no one he'd rather have leading the
Cincinnati offense than his former LSU teammate.
"He (Burrow) is the best quarterback in the
league," Chase said. "That's a fact."
As much as Burrow benefitted from having his full complement
of weapons back, the offensive line in front of him may have been even more
important. At first glance, the 32 sacks Burrow has taken this season seems
like a lot. But 13 of those 32 sacks came over the first two games of the
season.
In the nine games since, Burrow has been dropped 19 times, including just
once against Kansas City. That isn't great, but it's…average. And average is
light-years better than last year's turnstile up front.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates with teammates after rushing for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
As he showed Sunday, give Burrow time in the pocket and he
will carve up just about any defense he faces.
Cincinnati's defense deserves credit, too. Heading into
Week 13, Mahomes had surpassed 300 passing yards in five straight games. In two
of those contests, he topped 400 passing yards. He also threw at least three
touchdown passes three times over that span.
But just as in last year's
playoffs, the Bengals used a lot of eight-man coverage looks against Mahomes on Sunday. It worked yet again, as Mahomes threw for a pedestrian 230 yards with one score. All told, Kansas City had 349 yards of
offense—81 yards below their season average.
It was a hard-fought, all-around effort. But while Burrow
praised his team's performance while speaking to Tracy Wolfson of
CBS Sports, he also insisted that it's just one step in a much bigger
journey.
"We just have guys who know what it takes to win,"
Burrow said. "Who know what it takes every week in practice to grind. To
come out here in a moment like this in front of this crowd and come out with a
big win. That being said, that's all it is. A big win. We've got several more
coming up. It was a fun one, but I know we'll be seeing them again."
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) huddle with his team as they played against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Joshua Bickel)
He's right of course. The reality is that if you want to
make it through the AFC bracket, at some point you are probably going to have
to take on Mahomes and the Chiefs. Cincinnati also has a brutal schedule the
rest of the way.
After next week's rematch with the Browns, Cincinnati's last
four opponents all made the playoffs in 2022—at Tampa Bay, at New England and
then home against Buffalo and Baltimore. That Week 18 matchup with the Ravens
could well be for the AFC North title.
But the Bengals team we saw Sunday is capable of thriving in that gauntlet. The Bengals are as balanced as they
are loaded on offense. The defense has talent at all three levels, whether it's
Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson up front, Logan Wilson at linebacker or Jessie
Bates and Vonn Bell on the back end.
And these Bengals are battle-tested after
last year's Super Bowl run. They don't shrink in big moments. They also have one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL—a megastar in the making. As
Higgins
said before the game, the Bengals believe they will win every time they
step on the field.
"I believe in our offense," he said. "I
believe in the firepower that we've got."
It's high time we believe in the Bengals, too, and not just as a
threat to make it back to the Super Bowl, either.
They're a team that could win it.
Report: 49ers to Sign Josh Johnson off Broncos' Practice Squad After Garoppolo Injury
Dec 5, 2022
Denver Broncos quarterback Josh Johnson (11) warms up against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The San Francisco 49ers are signing quarterback Josh Johnson off the Denver Broncos' practice squad following a season-ending foot injury to Jimmy Garoppolo, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Garoppolo was carted to the locker room in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with a broken foot and will undergo surgery.
Garoppolo's injury is a tough break for the 49ers, who are first in the NFC West with an 8-4 record. He had been filling in for 2021 third-overall pick Trey Lance, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.
With both Garoppolo and Lance now out for the year, the Niners will turn to rookie seventh-round pick Brock Purdy, who saw his most game action of the 2022 campaign on Sunday against the Dolphins.
The Iowa State product completed 25-of-37 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns against one interception. He outdueled Miami's Tua Tagovailoa, who posted three turnovers against the Niners.
Johnson, who is entering his third stint with the 49ers, will likely back up Purdy moving forward.
The 36-year-old was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He has also played for the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Washington Commanders.
In 37 appearances, Johnson has completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 2,270 yards and 13 touchdowns against 16 interceptions. He has also has rushed for 422 yards and one score.
In addition to playing in the NFL, Johnson also had a stint in the Alliance of American Football and the XFL. He played college football at San Diego.
San Francisco has a tough remaining schedule, with matchups against the Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks on tap for the next two weeks.
Fantasy QBs to Target on Waiver Wire After Lamar Jackson, Jimmy Garoppolo Injuries
Dec 5, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 04: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
With the playoffs right around the corner, this isn't an ideal time to lose one of your quarterbacks. That's the position some fantasy football managers find themselves in after Lamar Jackson and Jimmy Garoppolo suffered injuries Sunday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Baltimore Ravens star has a knee sprain, with head coach John Harbaugh asserting Jackson should be back this year.
Garoppolo, on the other hand, is done for the season after breaking his left foot.
It's impossible to find equal value to Jackson on the waiver wire at this point in the season. In superflex leagues, that's true for Jackson and Garoppolo because the pickings are even more slim.
Jared Goff, who's rostered in 50 percent of Yahoo Sports leagues, could be a worthwhile target in standard leagues after shredding the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Detroit Lions' 40-14 victory. He finished 31-of-41 for 340 yards and two touchdowns and has now gone four straight starts without throwing an interception.
The Minnesota Vikings, Detroit's opponent in Week 14, haven't been elite at stopping the pass this year.
Daniel Jones is rostered in 59 percent of Yahoo's leagues, but the New York Giants have the Philadelphia Eagles on tap. The Eagles are allowing the second-fewest passing yards (178.5) per game and rank first in opponent passer rating (73.6).
With Jones in Week 14, you'd have to hope he could pile up some rushing numbers to pad his fantasy output.
The Tennessee Titans play the Jaguars next week, so Ryan Tannehill could be a good streaming option. The Jaguars are giving up 255.5 yards per game through the air and have allowed 19 touchdowns.
Rostered in just 17 percent of Yahoo's leagues, Tannehill could be a target for owners in standard and superflex leagues alike.
If you happen to play in a superflex league, you'll likely be trying to identify the best worst outcome.
Considering how poorly Zach Wilson has performed, Mike White did little to justify losing the starting job after going 31-of-57 for 369 yards and two interceptions in a 27-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. White appears to have the full support of his New York Jets teammates as well.
Should White get the nod for Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills, he's a high-risk, high-reward waiver target. His ceiling is better than that of Tannehill or the Pittsburgh Steelers' Kenny Pickett, who finished 16-of-28 for 197 yards and one touchdown in a 19-16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Joe Burrow Dominance over Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Praised After Bengals' Win vs. KC
Dec 5, 2022
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Paycor Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 on Sunday at Paycor Stadium to move to 8-4 on the season and create more of a cushion for themselves in the playoff race.
Much of the win can be attributed to quarterback Joe Burrow, who completed 25-of-31 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 46 yards and a score on 11 carries.
Burrow outdueled Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who completed just 16-of-27 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown, in addition to rushing for nine yards and a score on two carries.
Bengals running back Samaje Perine also had a tremendous performance filling in for Joe Mixon, who was sidelined by a concussion. Perine rushed for 106 yards on 21 carries and caught six passes for 49 yards.
Still, it was Burrow who impressed NFL Twitter the most, and now he's being praised for his dominance over the Chiefs:
Burrow is now 3-0 in his career against the Chiefs, averaging 327 passing yards per game against Kansas City along with tossing nine total touchdowns and one interception.
The Burrow vs. Mahomes debate has a long way to go, but the Bengals quarterback certainly has a leg up on his Chiefs counterpart right now.
Cincinnati, though tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North, is currently occupying the AFC's fifth playoff seed, ahead of the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers are on the playoff bubble, so the Bengals must keep winning to hold off the field and keep their hopes alive of surpassing the Ravens.
Deshaun Watson Says Return vs. Texans Was 'Tough,' Trade 'Had to Happen'
Dec 4, 2022
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 04: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks onward during pregame against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to the field Sunday for the first time in 700 days, and while he didn't have the best performance, he helped lead the team to a 27-14 win over the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
While speaking with reporters after the game, Watson admitted that his return to the field against his former team was "tough" and that his move from Houston "had to happen."
Deshaun Watson commenting on playing back here in Houston. Also said leaving the #Texans was a business decision and “had to happen”. pic.twitter.com/24DZudh0UD
Watson did not play at all during the 2021 season, when he was still a member of the Texans, after requesting a trade from Houston and facing more than 20 allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.
Twenty-four civil lawsuits with allegations of sexual assault and misconduct were filed against Watson. He agreed to settle 23 of those lawsuits and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
After being traded to the Browns, which gave him a record-shattering $230 million contract in March, the NFL launched an investigation into the claims against Watson and found he violated the league's personal conduct policy.
Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season, fined $5 million and had to undergo mandatory evaluation and treatment. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the quarterback has shown "signs of progress" in his treatment program.
A source told Schefter:
"He's been progressing well and he wants to continue with it, and they feel it's helping him. It's just sort of ongoing as needed, and it'll be ongoing until it's not needed anymore. And I think it's given him a lot of help and support. But this could take a while."
Watson was booed heavily in his return to Houston on Sunday, and he struggled in his first action in more than a season and a half. He completed just 12 of 22 passes for 131 yards, no touchdowns and an interception, in addition to rushing for 21 yards on seven carries.
When asked about being booed after the game, Watson replied: "They’re supposed to boo. I’m a Cleveland Brown now, and we’re on the road. So they’re supposed to boo."
Watson, a 2017 first-round pick, spent the first four seasons of his career in Houston. He went 28-25, completing 67.8 percent of his passes for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns against 36 interceptions, in addition to rushing for 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns.
With Watson out to begin the 2022 campaign, the Browns opted to start Jacoby Brissett, who completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 2,608 yards and 12 touchdowns against six interceptions in 11 games. He also rushed for 238 yards and two scores.
With Watson back, he's expected to be Cleveland's starter for the remainder of the 2022 season and beyond.
The Browns are 5-7 and will be back in action on Dec. 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
