Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns spoiled Justin Fields' first NFL start with a 26-6 win over the Chicago Bears.

The rookie was under pressure all game long as the Browns (2-1) totaled nine sacks in the win, including 4.5 by Myles Garrett. It helped keep Fields in check as he replaced the injured Andy Dalton, leading to a road loss at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday.

The Browns had a 418-47 advantage in total yards over the Bears (1-2), with Chicago finishing with just one net passing yard.

Kareem Hunt carried the Cleveland offense in Week 3, helping the squad pull away with a long touchdown run in the fourth quarter:

Kareem Hunt finds his way for SIX. #Browns

📺: #CHIvsCLE on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/W2MXBTbRZd

— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021

It led to Cleveland's second straight win to keep pace in the competitive AFC North.

---

Notable Performances

Justin Fields, QB, CHI: 6-of-20, 68 passing yards, 12 rushing yards

David Montgomery, RB, CHI: 34 rushing yards, 21 receiving yards

Allen Robinson, WR, CHI: 2 catches, 27 receiving yards

Baker Mayfield, QB, CLE: 19-of-31, 246 passing yards, 1 TD

Nick Chubb, RB, CLE: 84 rushing yards

Kareem Hunt, RB, CLE: 81 rushing yards, 74 receiving yards, 1 TD

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, CLE: 5 catches, 77 receiving yards

---

Justin Fields Can't Handle Pressure in First Start

Bears fans have been calling for Fields to start at quarterback since the moment he was drafted, but the excitement waned in Week 3.

The main problem was a lack of protection, as the Bears offensive line was abused throughout the game:

https://twitter.com/PFF_Linsey/status/1442193886961602563

Justin Fields is just getting obliterated out there, man.

I shouldn't expect Jason Peters at 39 to be able to stop Myles Garrett by himself, but still. This #Bears pass protection isn't looking good, and Matt Nagy isn't doing anything to script Fields out of the pocket.

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 26, 2021

Maybe there’s a reason Nagy was reluctant to start Fields. He’d prefer to keep him alive. #bears

— John Tuohy (@John_Tuohy) September 26, 2021

Justin Fields has no shot behind this offensive line.

— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) September 26, 2021

Myles Garrett was a one-man wrecking crew for the Browns on Sunday:

Myles Garrett has 2.5 sacks in the first half alone. #Browns

📺: #CHIvsCLE on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/G0GHeQ4h8A

— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021

That's a franchise record for sacks in a game for @Flash_Garrett.

📺: #CHIvsCLE on FOX
📲: Browns mobile app pic.twitter.com/nEl2Qn8kLJ

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 26, 2021

It prevented Fields from getting into an early rhythm or even getting opportunities to throw the ball.

It wasn't any better in the second half as the quarterback struggled with his accuracy, completing only 30 percent of his passes in the game.

This likely wasn't what Fields or the Bears faithful were expecting, but the team must make serious adjustments before the next game. 

---

Run Game Carries Browns to Victory

Baker Mayfield had the offense rolling throughout, throwing a key touchdown pass to Austin Hooper before the end of the half:

Throw it up to @AustinHooper18!

📺: #CHIvsCLE on FOX
📲: Browns mobile app pic.twitter.com/0OIk6WSFfp

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 26, 2021

It was still the rushing attack that did most of the damage for Cleveland, totaling 215 yards at 5.1 per carry. 

Hunt was especially impressive, totaling 155 yards from scrimmage in the win. 

There might not be 5 running backs in the NFL better than Kareem Hunt.

— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) September 26, 2021

The return of Odell Beckham Jr. also gives the team another weapon in the passing attack.

OBJ makes his first catch of the season 👏

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/yLBgYVqflg

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 26, 2021

Beckham had 77 receiving yards on five catches in his first game back since suffering a torn ACL last season, providing hope for the rest of the season as he gets back to full strength.

The overall production helped the Browns continually move the chains, as they picked up 26 first downs with seven drives that lasted at least seven plays.

There is still room to improve, especially in terms of finishing drives. The Browns began the game with two failed fourth-down conversions on the first two possessions.

Defense bringin' the 🔥 early!

Quinn & Blackson combine for the sack.#CHIvsCLE | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/XUaNRU00F6

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 26, 2021

.@FiftyDeuce getting in on the fun. 😏#CHIvsCLE | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/P3rFwkaYdj

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 26, 2021

When the Browns weren't stopped on fourth down, they were forced to settle for field goals.

It led to a low-scoring affair that was much closer than it should have been in the fourth quarter. If Cleveland wants to take the next step toward Super Bowl contention, the offense must get into the end zone at a much higher rate.

There is still little reason to complain after what turned out to be an easy win.

---

What's Next?

The Browns will have another NFC North matchup next Sunday with a road game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears will return home in Week 4 for a divisional battle against the Detroit Lions.  

The Cleveland Browns are off to a 1-1 start and look the part of playoff contenders, but they have struggled to get to the quarterback in the early going this season.

That is something of a surprise since Myles Garrett is one of the best pass-rushers in the league, but the Kansas City Chiefs and especially the Houston Texans sent double teams and chipping tight ends his way to slow him down.

He told reporters his teammates need to take advantage of one-on-one situations when opponents focus on stopping him:

For me, it's tough watching my teammates not being able to make a play because when I see the offense keying on me with chips and stuff like that, I'm like well, they're taking a player out of play to stop me, so we have a one-on-one. And to see that they're not making the play, it's kind of frustrating because I want to see them go out there and make big plays and we've got to get there.

I'm trying to take two or three men, however many, to take out of the pass or the run, so we have to take advantage of that. And I know that they're not always going to do that [chip and double] me. They're going to do that for other players as soon as they step up and start making big plays, but right now, we all have to make plays. We all have to earn that respect.

Frankly, Jadeveon Clowney figured to be the one tasked with doing just that after the Browns signed the three-time Pro Bowler this past offseason.

Instead, he has resembled the version of himself that didn't tally a single sack in eight games for the Tennessee Titans last season rather than the one who recorded a total of 18.5 sacks in 2017 and 2018 for the Houston Texans.

Clowney didn't have a sack in the first two games, and the entire Browns team had just three. One of those was from Garrett, with another one coming from safety Grant Delpit, so the rest of the defensive line didn't exactly capitalize on the double teams the star drew.

"I expect the same treatment," Garrett said about the Chicago Bears in Week 3. "Nothing's changed from my point of view. I'm still healthy so I think they'll give me the same kind of respect."

Cleveland will be tasked with chasing Justin Fields both inside and outside of the pocket. The Bears will surely do what they can to protect the rookie from Garrett in the quarterback's first career start, so look for more of the same from the offensive line.

The rest of the Browns' defensive front is officially on notice.

Odell Beckham Jr. is back. 

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed to reporters Friday that the star wide receiver will make his season debut Sunday against the Chicago Bears after missing the first two games as he recovered from the torn ACL he suffered last season. 

"He's ready to go," Stefanski said.

"He's a professional," he added. "His attitude has been good. He's going to go out and try to help his team win."

Beckham, 28, caught 23 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns in seven games last year before tearing his ACL in October. It was a disappointing first year for Beckham in Cleveland even before the injury, as he struggled to develop chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. 

But his teammates are expecting that to change in 2021 after the pair have had another year to work in Stefanski's system. 

"We've all seen it and now we've got to see that chemistry out there that was missing last year," superstar edge-rusher Myles Garrett told reporters. "Those two can definitely be one of the best duos in the league."

Garrett said Beckham told him on Monday, “it’s time.”#Browns pic.twitter.com/vc4e322Khh

— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) September 24, 2021

His return couldn't come at a better time for the Browns, who will be without Jarvis Landry for a few weeks as he recovers from a sprained MCL. 

The concern is that the three-time Pro Bowler has seen two of his past four seasons end prematurely. A fractured ankle cut short his 2017 campaign, and he missed four games in 2018 with a quad injury.

A healthy Beckham is crucial for Cleveland's Super Bowl aspirations. 

Odell Beckham Jr. is reportedly set to make his much-anticipated return from a torn ACL.

According to Jordan Schultz of ESPN, Beckham—barring any setbacks—will make his 2021 debut in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. That report comes after the wideout was a full participant in practice on Wednesday.

Beckham tore his ACL in Oct. 2020, leaving the Browns without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons as they returned to the postseason for the first time since 2002. Before his injury, he registered 23 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. 

So far, the injury had cost the 28-year-old two games to start this season. 

Injuries have become a major concern for the three-time Pro Bowler, who missed 12 games in the 2017 season because of a fractured ankle and four games in 2018 with a quad injury. He's a star when healthy, but his limited availability in recent years has muted that stardom. 

Beckham's return would provide a boost to a Browns receiving corps that is currently without Jarvis Landry, who is currently unavailable with a sprained MCL. Landry will miss a minimum of three games after being placed on injured reserve.

The addition of Beckham will help fill the void left by Landry's absence. Of course, the Browns have a number of options in the passing game to work with, with Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz at wideout. Tight ends David Njoku, Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant—and running back Kareem Hunt—are also capable playmakers for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has yet to make his season debut as he recovers from knee surgery. After fully participating in practice Wednesday, it looks like his return is imminent, and Beckham believes his best is yet to come.

"I've worked extremely hard, to not only get back but improve and try to be better than I ever have been," Beckham told reporters Thursday.

Beckham has not played in a game since October 25, when he suffered a torn ACL against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 of the 2020 season. While he has not officially been declared active for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, his participation in practice is a reason to be optimistic.

Beckham was in line to play in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but following pregame warm-ups, he was ruled out after telling his coaches he was unprepared to play a full game. Despite practicing on a limited basis and not experiencing any setbacks leading up to the Browns' Week 2 tilt with the Houston Texans, Beckham was again ruled out. Now that he's feeling better, Beckham is excited to show all of his hard work to get back on the field has paid off.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it, it's been a long time," he said. "It's been a long time in that cave, putting yourself back together. I had a great team around me for the entire process, a great support system. It's gonna be special."

The Browns would benefit from Beckham's return to the lineup after losing one of their top receivers. Jarvis Landry was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after suffering a sprained knee ligament in Sunday's win over the Texans. Last year's team leader in receiving yards will miss at least three games while he recovers.

Tight end David Njoku is pacing the team with just 94 receiving yards, and tight end Austin Hooper has the most receptions with eight. Backup running back Demetric Felton caught the team's lone receiving touchdown.    

Odell Beckham Jr. will reportedly be a "full go" at practice Wednesday, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters.

Stefanski also said he "isn't ruling him out" for the Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Beckham hasn't played since suffering a torn left ACL in Week 7 last season. The receiver has been inactive for the team's first two games of 2021.

After first taking reps in 11-on-11 drills in late August, Beckham has mostly been limited in practices this season. A full practice could put him closer to availability, though Stefanski would not confirm he will play in Week 3.

A potential return would be especially valuable for Cleveland after Jarvis Landry went on injured reserve Tuesday with a sprained MCL, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Beckham can be a difference-maker, as evidenced by his three Pro Bowl selections in his first three years with the New York Giants. Though he hasn't been nearly as productive since, he still tallied at least 70 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in 2018 and 2019.

He got off to a slow start in 2020, totaling 23 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns.

The Browns need a go-to receiver with most of Baker Mayfield's passes going to running backs and tight ends. With Landry unavailable, Anthony Schwartz will be their most productive receiver. He has three catches for 69 yards. Donovan Peoples-Jones and Rashard Higgins each have two catches. 

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry is set to miss at least the next three games after being placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a sprained MCL, according to ESPN's Jake Trotter.

Landry went down with the knee injury during his team's 31-21 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal explained what happened: "Landry came up limping after catching a screen pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield for a nine-yard gain early in the first quarter. Landry was examined in the medical tent on the sideline before walking with medical personnel to the locker room."

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke with reporters postgame.

"Very tough. You don't ever want to lose Jarvis Landry from your football team, so hopefully he's back real soon," Stefanski said.

"But he's another leader of this football team. I think he was on his way to having a good day, so we'll just see what the MRI looks like in the morning."

Landry didn't miss a game over his first six seasons. He was sidelined for the Browns' Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets in 2020 after he was deemed a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

The former LSU star played his first four seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Browns in 2018 via trade. He led the NFL with 112 catches in 2017 and averaged 91 receptions, 1,004 receiving yards and five touchdowns from 2014 to 2020.

Without Landry, the rest of the Browns' wideout crew consists of Odell Beckham Jr., Rashard Higgins, Anthony Schwartz and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

However, Beckham has missed his team's first two games this year as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered last October in a Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Browns also have wideout options on their practice squad in JoJo Natson and Ja'Marcus Bradley.

Despite exiting Sunday's game early, Landry leads all Browns wideouts in receptions (six) and receiving yardage (80) this season.

If neither Landry nor Beckham can play Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Higgins, Schwartz and Peoples-Jones will be asked to step up, with tight ends Austin Hooper, David Njoku and Harrison Bryant also taking on a bigger role.

Kansas City Chiefs running backs coach Greg Lewis has been fined for his altercation with Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Harrison during Week 1. 

NFL Players Association president JC Tretter told Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports that the league did discipline Lewis for shoving Harrison during a sideline run-in. 

“It has been communicated to us that the Chiefs coach was fined by the NFL," Tretter said. 

The incident occurred late in the first quarter of Kansas City's 33-29 win over the Browns on Sept. 12. 

After Cleveland defenders ran Clyde Edwards-Helaire out of bounds, a scuffle broke out on the sidelines. Replays showed Lewis shoved Harrison, who was involved in the play, out of the way. 

Harrison responded by pushing Lewis in the face. Officials initially assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Lewis. 

After further conversation, the officials also called Harrison for a personal foul and ejected him from the game.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported last week that Harrison was fined $12,128 by the NFL for his role in the altercation, but Lewis was only issued a warning from the league. 

Lewis is in his fifth season as a Chiefs assistant coach. He spent the previous four years as wide receivers coach before taking over as running backs coach in April.   

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield reportedly avoided a serious injury during Sunday's win over the Houston Texans.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, an MRI revealed no structural damage on the quarterback's injured left shoulder. 

"He's sore," Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday. "He's doing fine."

Mayfield injured his shoulder trying to make a tackle after an interception. He briefly went into the locker room after the injury but did not miss a snap.

"It kind of popped in and out but I'm good," Mayfield said of his shoulder. "Nothing too serious."

The 26-year-old has mostly avoided injuries in his NFL career. He started all 16 games in each of the past two seasons.

Mayfield has been productive this season as well, totaling 534 passing yards in two games.

The Browns entered 2021 with high expectations after reaching the divisional round of the playoffs last season. That will largely depend on whether Mayfield can stay healthy.

Veteran Case Keenum would take over if Mayfield is forced to miss time, although the Browns would likely lean heavily on the rushing attack of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.