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Browns' Myles Garrett: Refs 'Giving Me the Shaq Treatment' over Missed Holding Calls

Oct 22, 2021
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett walks on the field at halftime of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. The Browns won 17-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett walks on the field at halftime of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. The Browns won 17-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett compared himself to NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal after he felt the officials missed several holding calls during Thursday night's 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos.

Garrett joked the officiating group may need to "get some new glasses" so he can get a call.

"The refs are kinda giving me the Shaq treatment right now," he told reporters.

Garrett is off to a terrific start to the 2021 season with an NFL-leading 9.5 sacks along with 27 total tackles through seven games, but he clearly thinks he could be even more impactful if a few calls went his way.

He's just the latest star edge-rusher to question the lack of holding penalties.

In Week 4, Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for questioning how the officials missed a blatant hold by Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood.

"I didn't even know they called the f--king penalty on me because I was fuming," Bosa told reporters. "But, I mean, refs are blind, simple. I'm sorry, but you're blind, like open your eyes and do your job. It's so bad it's unbelievable."

Holding calls plummeted from 2.74 per game in 2019 to 1.77 per game in 2020, per NFL Penalties. While the number has rebounded to 2.48 per game so far this season, it's still below the precedent set between 2015 and 2019.

In September, John Kryk of the Toronto Sun reported officials were "instructed" to start calling holds on a level closer to 2019 after the major dip last year.

Although the overall numbers have indeed risen, those tasked with chasing down the opponent's quarterback every week clearly don't think enough calls are being made.

Garrett's reference to Shaq is fitting since it was hard for NBA officials to fairly call games involving the 7'1", 325-pound center since being overly physical with him before he caught the ball in the paint was pretty much the only chance opposing defenders had to at least slow him down.

The 2017 first overall pick, who could be subject to a fine from the NFL for public criticism of officials, and the Browns return to action Oct. 31 when they host the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

D'Ernest Johnson's Fantasy Outlook After Breakout in Browns' Win over Broncos

Oct 22, 2021
Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson burst onto the scene with a huge performance in Thursday's 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos, making him a must-add for fantasy managers who hadn't already done so.

In his first career start, Johnson rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Browns running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have calf injuries, and Hunt will miss at least two more weeks after being placed on injured reserve.

But it looks like Cleveland has a more than adequate replacement. Johnson's big night helped the Browns control the game with 36 minutes, 51 seconds in time of possession.

Fantasy managers who picked up Johnson prior to Thursday's contest have to be happy with their decision. The third-year back gained 53 yards more than expected, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

Johnson's high volume of carries bodes well for his fantasy potential. The Browns rushed the ball 33 times, matching Case Keenum's 33 pass attempts as he filled in for Baker Mayfield, who was out with a shoulder injury.

And as long as Chubb and Hunt are out, Johnson is a must-start. But even when Chubb returns, Johnson is worth a roster spot because he will likely take the touches that would go to Hunt.

In the five games that Chubb and Hunt played together, Hunt outperformed him three times despite Chubb's status as the starter. Johnson could be deployed in a similar role until Hunt returns.

Bettor Wins $1.3M on $30K Wager After Browns Cash 4-Leg Moneyline Parlay

Oct 22, 2021
Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

There's nothing like letting a $30,000 bet with a $1.3 million payout ride on the backs of Case Keenum and D'Ernest Johnson.

While the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos were each looking for their fourth win of the season Thursday night, one bettor was looking for a million dollars. Their four-team parlay needed the Denver Nuggets to beat the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings to beat the Portland Trail Blazers, Appalachian State to beat Coastal Carolina and Browns to beat the Broncos:

What's more, he said "cashing out is not an option" when the B/R Betting account asked him if he would consider such a move. 

He made the right call.

Cleveland held on for a 17-14 victory thanks to some impressive running by Johnson down the stretch. Things looked dicey when the Broncos went on two long touchdown drives in the second half to close their gap to 10-7 and then 17-14, but the visitors did not get the ball back in the final five minutes.

Keenum and Johnson will forever be heroes for one millionaire.

Case Keenum, D'Ernest Johnson Guide Injury-Riddled Browns Past Broncos on TNF

Oct 22, 2021
Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) jumps over Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) jumps over Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

No Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt, no problem for the Cleveland Browns.

The shorthanded Browns defeated the Denver Broncos 17-14 in Thursday's AFC clash at FirstEnergy Stadium. Case Keenum and D'Ernest Johnson led the way for the victors, who improved to 4-3 and snapped a two-game losing streak.

Two solid drives in the second half weren't enough for the 3-4 Broncos, who continued to fall with their fourth consecutive loss.

Notable Player Stats

  • Case Keenum, QB, CLE: 21-of-33 passing for 199 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
  • D'Ernest Johnson, RB, CLE: 22 carries for 146 yards, 1 TD; 2 catches for 22 yards
  • Teddy Bridgewater, QB, DEN: 23-of-33 passing for 187 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • Javonte Williams, RB, DEN: 4 carries for 20 yards; 6 catches for 32 yards, 1 TD
  • Melvin Gordon III, RB, DEN: 8 carries for 18 yards; 2 catches for 14 yards, 1 TD

Case Keenum, D'Ernest Johnson Save Browns with Late Runs

Suffice to say, a starting backfield of Keenum and Johnson was not what the Browns—Super Bowl contenders—envisioned for this season.

Yet things appeared on track as Cleveland marched down the field for a Johnson touchdown on the opening drive. Jarvis Landry found openings in the secondary in his first game since Sept. 19 and helped Keenum move the chains, and the offense played with a rhythm while converting nine of 15 third downs.

In fact, the home team dominated possession to the tune of 21 of the 30 minutes in the first half, though its lead was just 10-0 because two of the drives ended in field-goal attempts. What's more, one of those kicks was blocked.

The missed opportunities weren't the only concern for the Browns, as Odell Beckham Jr. landed hard on his injured shoulder, though he remained in the game.

The Broncos closed the gap to 10-7 on the first drive of the second half, but Keenum powered his way through two tackles on 4th-and-3 at the Denver 6-yard line to keep the ensuing drive alive. He then flipped a touchdown pass to Johnny Stanton on the next play in one of the most important sequences of the game.

Things looked dicey late in the fourth quarter when Denver again trimmed the deficit to three and Landry and Denzel Ward having exited with injuries.

However, Johnson played the role of hero. He churned out physical run after physical run in the final five minutes and never let the Broncos get the ball back. It was such a notable performance that he could get carries even when Chubb returns.

Too Little, Too Late for Broncos Offense 

Thursday was a golden opportunity for the Broncos to get back on the right side of .500 and end their losing streak. The Cleveland game is one of the more challenging ones on their schedule, but the Browns were notably shorthanded.

That figured to make a quick start all the more imperative, but Denver couldn't get going.

The defense lost Von Miller to injury and was gashed by backups throughout the first half, while the offense was even worse. Even when Courtland Sutton made an incredible one-handed catch on a promising drive, Teddy Bridgewater threw a terrible interception in the end zone to John Johnson III.

The result was that 10-0 deficit at intermission, which spelled trouble for the visitors. Jake Trotter of ESPN noted Denver was 0-11 in games it trailed by double digits under head coach Vic Fangio.

There was some hope for the Broncos when they looked like a different team during a 13-play drive to start the second half. It ended with Melvin Gordon III's touchdown catch, and Bridgewater appeared far more comfortable in the pocket.

It wasn't even Denver's longest drive, as it pulled within 17-14 via a 17-play drive in the fourth quarter. That featured a 4th-and-1 conversion and Javonte Williams' touchdown on a screen pass, which put plenty of pressure on Cleveland.

But that was the last time Bridgewater and Co. touched the ball.                

What's Next?

Both teams are home in Week 8, when the Browns face the rival Pittsburgh Steelers and the Broncos play the Washington Football Team.

Browns' Baker Mayfield Reveals Shoulder Injury Includes Fracture and Labrum Tear

Oct 21, 2021
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. The Cardinals won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. The Cardinals won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)

The shoulder injury to Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is more serious than previously indicated.

In addition to a torn labrum, Mayfield also fractured his humerus in his non-throwing shoulder, per Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. 

"I need that fracture to heal for me to get back out there," Mayfield said.

Mayfield was ruled out of Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos, although he told Glazer that he's hoping to return for his team's next game. Cleveland hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 31.

Despite the injuries, Mayfield told reporters Tuesday:  "Only I know how my body feels, and if anyone questions whether I’m hindering the team in going out there injured, that’s just not right. So it’s my decision. I get to say whether I’m able to play or not, and that’s just how it is."

The quarterback said his labrum was torn in Week 2 when he attempted to make a tackle on an interception return against the Houston Texans. It worsened when he dislocated it during Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Mayfield will need surgery after the season.

Even with the injuries, the 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick had started the year strong. Mayfield had 1,474 passing yards and six touchdowns through six games, while his 67.1 completion percentage and 97.8 quarterback rating would be career highs over a full season.

Case Keenum will take over for the Browns under center until Mayfield can return.

Jarvis Landry Activated from IR by Browns amid Odell Beckham Jr. Injury

Oct 21, 2021
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

The Cleveland Browns have activated wide receiver Jarvis Landry off injured reserve, the team announced Thursday. 

Landry missed Cleveland's last four games with an MCL sprain in his left knee but could play Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. 

The 28-year-old suffered the injury in a Sept. 19 win over the Houston Texans in which he played just two snaps. He caught a screen pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield and hurt his knee at the end of the play. 

Landry had six catches for 80 yards in two games this season before being sidelined.

The five-time Pro Bowler's return to the field would be huge for the Browns. Star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is questionable against the Broncos with a shoulder injury, which leaves them with Donovan Peoples-Jones, Rashard Higgins and Anthony Schwartz at wideout if he's unable to go. The trio has combined for just 451 yards and three touchdowns this season. 

Even if Landry suits up Thursday night, it might not make much of a difference. The Browns will be without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt because of injuries. 

Mayfield hurt his non-throwing shoulder during Week 2 against the Houston Texans and is expected to require offseason surgery to fix the issue. 

Chubb, meanwhile, has been dealing with a calf injury since Week 5 and missed Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals because of the ailment. Hunt is also dealing with a calf injury he suffered in the fourth quarter against the Cards. 

Case Keenum is slated to start at quarterback against Denver. He hasn't started an NFL game since Week 17 of the 2019 season when he was a member of the Washington Football Team. 

The 33-year-old is 27-35 as a starter in his 10-year career. He has completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 14,420 yards and 75 touchdowns against 47 interceptions in 71 games (62 starts). 

Keenum is familiar with the Browns offense, as he has been with the franchise since 2020, which is why he's getting the start over Nick Mullens, who was recently activated from the practice squad. 

The Browns are third in the AFC North with a 3-3 record and could end up missing the playoffs with the way the Baltimore Ravens (5-1) and Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) are playing.  

Report: Browns' Baker Mayfield Expected to Need Offseason Surgery on Shoulder Injury

Oct 21, 2021
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. The Cardinals won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. The Cardinals won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield's ailing left shoulder is expected to require offseason surgery.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Browns believe Mayfield can play through the injury this season before going under the knife.

Rapaport did note that "incurring more damage would make it challenging" for him to make it through the season.

Mayfield has been dealing with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, an injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Houston Texans while trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception. He continued to play through the injury, wearing a harness to support his shoulder, but he reaggravated it in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Mayfield was ruled out of Cleveland's Week 7 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos. It will be his first missed game since taking over the Browns' starting quarterback role in Week 3 of the 2018 season, ending a run of 51 consecutive starts. The Browns were hopeful that Mayfield would not need season-ending surgery at the time.

Prior to being ruled out, he was optimistic about his chances to continue playing through the injury.

"Only I know how my body feels," Mayfield said Tuesday. "And if anyone questions whether I am hindering the team and going out there injured, that's just not right. It's my decision. I get to say whether I am able to play or not, and that's just how it is."

Mayfield has 1,474 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions through six games. He helped lead Cleveland to its first postseason appearance since 2002 during the 2020 season. The Browns lost in the AFC Divisional Round to the Kansas City Chiefs after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round.

Mayfield's injury is yet another problem for the Cleveland offense. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are both dealing with calf injuries, with the latter set to miss several weeks after being placed on injured reserve. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry has been on IR since Week 2 with a knee injury, while fellow wideout Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6 against the Cardinals.

With Mayfield unavailable, Cleveland has turned to Case Keenum, who has not started since 2019 with the Washington Football Team.

Keenum has a prior relationship with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was the quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 when Keenum threw for 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

Report: Browns' Odell Beckham Jr. a Game-Time Decision vs. Broncos with Injury

Oct 20, 2021
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is shown before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is shown before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is reportedly a game-time decision for Thursday's contest against the Denver Broncos as he battles a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his shoulder.

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports HQ reported the news, noting Beckham is "still trying to do everything he can" to play. He was officially listed as questionable on Wednesday:

Beckham suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game but later returned in the second half.

Beckham's injury is the latest blow to a massively depleted Browns offense. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was ruled out for the matchup with the Broncos with his own shoulder injury and will be replaced by Case Keenum. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will also miss Thursday's game.

Jarvis Landry has returned to practice after being designated for return from injured reserve, but his status for the game has yet to be determined.

The Browns slow-played things with Beckham to start this season as he continued to rehab from a torn ACL. He suffered that injury in the first quarter of Cleveland's game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 of the 2020 season. 

He sat out the Browns' first two games this season but was a full participant in practice leading up to their Week 3 contest against the Chicago Bears. He played well in the game with 77 yards and five receptions on nine targets in Cleveland's 26-6 win. 

The three-time Pro Bowler has been a productive player in Cleveland since being acquired from the New York Giants prior to the 2019 season, but he hasn't been the dynamic talent who could take over games from earlier in his career. 

In his first season with the Browns, Beckham had 1,035 yards and four touchdowns. He had a career-low catch percentage (53.5) and yards per game average (45.6) in 2020 prior to tearing his ACL. 

Losing the LSU product does take a key piece away from the offense, but head coach Kevin Stefanksi still has a number of playmakers to keep things running smoothly.

Donovan Peoples-Jones and Rashard Higgins will likely take over as the primary receivers if Beckham can't play, and running back D'Ernest Johnson will likely be involved in more of the passing game for the time being. 

Browns' Myles Garrett Jokes He's Retiring #SleevelessMyles After Random Drug Test

Oct 20, 2021
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. The Cardinals won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. The Cardinals won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Myles Garrett believes he's found the answer to why the NFL's random drug testing system keeps turning up his name. 

The Cleveland Browns star joked on social media that he is retiring #SleevelessMyles after being called in for a random drug test the previous two times he's gone without sleeves during games:

Garrett previously joked about being called in for a random drug test two weeks ago after the Browns' 14-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings. 

Based on the size of Garrett's arms in those images, he looks like he's training to be the villain in a new Fast and Furious movie. 

Garrett does play his home games in Cleveland. The city gets very cold in the late fall and winter, so he will have a perfect excuse to keep his arms covered as the season moves on.  

The No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL draft has been a one-man wrecking crew on Cleveland's defense this season. He leads the league with nine tackles for loss and eight sacks through six games. 

Odell Beckham Jr., Browns Fantasy Outlook After Baker Mayfield Injury

Oct 20, 2021
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. runs a route during the first half in an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. The flashy, fashionable wide receiver sported an expensive watch, worth over $250,000, during his debut Sunday. The NFL plans to speak with Browns star Odell Beckham Jr. about wearing a watch in games. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. runs a route during the first half in an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. The flashy, fashionable wide receiver sported an expensive watch, worth over $250,000, during his debut Sunday. The NFL plans to speak with Browns star Odell Beckham Jr. about wearing a watch in games. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

The Cleveland Browns had high expectations in 2021, but the team suffered a major setback with Baker Mayfield due to miss Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos,

The Browns announced Mayfield will be out because of an injury to his non-throwing (left) shoulder.

Cleveland will now have to turn to Case Keenum, who is one of the top backups in the league and has made 62 starts.

Though he has never been much of a fantasy star, the 10-year veteran has shown enough to believe he can keep the offense functioning while Mayfield is unavailable. He should be able to get the ball down the field to his receivers, who could include Odell Beckham Jr.

Veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson reported Beckham is a game-time decision for Thursday's game with a Grade 3 AC joint sprain.

With Jarvis Landry out with a knee injury, Beckham has become the primary target for the team in the passing attack. If he is healthy enough to play, that won't change with the quarterback switch.

Though the 28-year-old has been a risky fantasy play the past few seasons even with a healthy quarterback, his upside is obvious with his ability to turn any play into a touchdown. It's also difficult to expect Keenum to move through his progressions as well as Mayfield, which will likely result in the No. 1 option getting more targets.

It's hard to trust anyone else in the passing attack, however, in part because the combined absences of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt raise significant questions about the ground game. Keenum may find life difficult if the Broncos don't have to respect the run and drop more defenders back.

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