Dawgs By Nature - Browns vs Texans: Everything you need to know for Week 13A Cleveland Browns bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48679/dawgsbynature-fave.png2022-12-07T08:42:44-05:00http://www.dawgsbynature.com/rss/stream/232493742022-12-07T08:42:44-05:002022-12-07T08:42:44-05:00Donovan Peoples-Jones wins weekly AFC award
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<img alt="NFL: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BMWLCIM9bgjKsLqAnmgA-a-HFa8=/0x0:5853x3902/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71721034/usa_today_19562340.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A huge punt return TD seemed to turn the tide for the Browns</p> <p id="irvHbM">The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> defeated the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23491960/browns-offense-is-ugly-in-deshaun-watsons-return-but-cleveland-still-beats-texans-27-14">in Week 13</a> thanks to the efforts on defense and special teams. <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23491472/brownies-frownies-browns-take-care-of-hapless-texans-27-14">The poor play by the Texans</a> was also a huge part of the Browns win as well. </p>
<p id="ipzZrp">The team is hoping <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/6/23496351/browns-vs-bengals-week-14-scores-injuries-bet-preview-deshaun-watson">the offense can join the party</a> this week against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>.</p>
<p id="MoKpRn">For his efforts, WR/PR <strong>Donovan Peoples-Jones</strong> was awarded AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Peoples-Jones <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23492836/watch-again-here-huge-dpj-punt-return-td-turns-the-tide?_ga=2.71114192.1374713158.1670251514-367243692.1667326738">returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown</a> to give Cleveland a 7-5 lead against Houston. The team would maintain a lead for the rest of the game.</p>
<p id="FX2oA7">The former sixth-round pick out of Michigan has returned 13 punts this season with an average of 14.8 yards per return. </p>
<p id="cK3Rq2">Special teams as a whole played a good game in Week 13. K <strong>Cade York</strong> made all five of his kicks (two field goals, three extra points) while P <strong>Corey Bojorquez</strong> downed four of his six punts inside the 20-yard line.</p>
<p id="nOUNTX">After a long Bojorquez punt, LB <strong>Jordan Kunaszyk</strong> forced a fumble which was recovered by LB <strong>Tony Fields II</strong>.</p>
<p id="6Lcs9K">All and all, a complete game for the Browns special teams. A much-needed complete game given the struggles the offense went through.</p>
<p id="Rkcq2a"></p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/7/23498042/donovan-peoples-jones-afc-special-teams-awardJared Mueller2022-12-06T11:12:55-05:002022-12-06T11:12:55-05:00Browns’ defensive snap counts, stats, and notes: Week 13
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<img alt="NFL: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ajUcjlp8F1Y22ALJMtKqQgn6Yyg=/0x0:5481x3654/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71717446/usa_today_19563782.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="5ybjTS">Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on defense for the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>’ Week 13 game against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>.</p>
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<li id="FSGvFH">It seems like the announcers (and camera crew) often seem to point out in surprise that “<strong>Myles Garrett</strong> is not in the game right now!,” but then when you look at the snap counts, he still leads all defensive linemen in snaps. Garrett is banged up but working through it; he drew one holding penalty, and on the screen pass intercepted by <strong>Tony Fields</strong>, I thought he (along with <strong>Chase Winovich</strong>) did a good job holding their ground instead of blindly going for a sack.</li>
<li id="kdAfTX">
<strong>Alex Wright </strong>had a nice grade from PFF (81.0), which was the highest among Browns defensive linemen on the day.</li>
<li id="dJhovf">
<strong>Perrion Winfrey </strong>got a fair amount of reps (57%) and had 6 tackles.</li>
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<li id="JPLVgc">Unfortunately, <strong>Sione Takitaki</strong> is now out for the season. The middle linebacker spot has been cursed for the Browns this year, as they’ve lost <strong>Anthony Walker</strong>, <strong>Jacob Phillips</strong>, and now Takitaki to season-ending injuries. Will <strong>Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah</strong> be placed in that role, or <strong>Deion Jones</strong>?</li>
<li id="Evkva8">
<strong>Tony Fields </strong>was the Browns’ highest-graded defender, per PFF, grading out to an 81.6. He had the had trick of an interception (for a touchdown), a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery (on special teams).</li>
</ul>
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<li id="fgfDRU">I’m still not fond of some of <strong>Denzel Ward’s</strong> tackling, but PFF praised his coverage, saying, “Ward will make the highlight reels for his 4-yard fumble return for a touchdown, but he also did a terrific job in coverage today. Targeted three times, he allowed just one catch for a mere 3 yards and forced an incompletion.”</li>
<li id="uT93sd">
<strong>Greg Newsome</strong> was the Browns’ highest-graded cornerback in his return, per PFF, grading out to an 81.1.</li>
<li id="mTbmw6">
<strong>Martin Emerson</strong> allowed the game’s only touchdown late in the game, but still had what seemed to be tight coverage.</li>
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<li id="M2r2qN">
<strong>John Johnson</strong> logged an interception on the first snap of the game — it was a bit lucky, but hey, this defense has desperately needed turnovers, so I’ll take it.</li>
<li id="15n8Ii">
<strong>Grant Delpit</strong> came up with a great hit to break up a touchdown on 4th-and-goal from the 1 yard line in the first half.</li>
</ul>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/6/23493591/browns-defensive-snap-counts-stats-and-notes-week-13Chris Pokorny2022-12-06T11:03:40-05:002022-12-06T11:03:40-05:00Browns’ offensive snap counts, stats, and notes: Week 13
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<img alt="NFL: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BAMX1zyJWERDVGpqEOrrhXTSRfI=/0x0:4200x2800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71717406/usa_today_19563515.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Cleveland’s offense did not score any touchdowns in Deshaun Watson’s debut.</p> <p id="5ybjTS">Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on offense for the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>’ Week 13 game against the Houston Texans.</p>
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<ul><li id="0oSpVf">Cleveland fans saw the team’s worst quarterback performance of the season in <strong>Deshaun Watson’s</strong> debut, and yet the team still won 27-14. Watson did not lead a touchdown drive, and showed the same exact rust that he did in the preseason. I get that he was going to be rusty, and I get that he hasn’t played in 700+ days or whatever. But the rust still seemed like a step beyond that, with him throwing the ball in the dirt multiple times (not intentionally) and being flustered at any form of pressure.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> Deshaun Watson splits when kept clean vs. under pressure in Week 13 (PFF):<br><br>Clean (58.3% dropbacks)- 9/13, 94 yards, 71.2 grade<br>Pressure (41.7% dropbacks)- 3/9, 37 yards, 30.8 grade<br><br>Difficult to simulate game speed/pressure scenarios in practice/training. Will take time.</p>— Cody Suek (@CodySuek) <a href="https://twitter.com/CodySuek/status/1599828686194122752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<ul><li id="qTf2Qx">
<strong>Jacoby Brissett</strong> came in for one snap, presumably to get the defense thinking QB sneak in a short yardage situation. Instead, the ball was handed off to <strong>Harrison Bryant</strong> on an end around for a first down.</li></ul>
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<li id="JPLVgc">The Texans had the league’s worst run defense, so some may argue that the Browns should’ve run the ball even more. But between <strong>Nick Chubb</strong> and <strong>Kareem Hunt</strong>, they had 26 carries for 136 yards. That is typically more than enough, and the decision of when to run vs. pass seemed appropriate — you just need <strong>Deshaun Watson</strong> to be better to sustain the drives.</li>
<li id="zmWWYZ">Chubb graded out to a 76.4, per PFF. Also from PFF, “Hunt made a significant impact for the Browns out of the backfield, turning nine carries into 56 yards and adding 18 yards from two catches. In all, 43 of his rushing yards came after contact and he forced four missed tackles.”</li>
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<li id="fgfDRU">This wasn’t a day where the receivers had much of a chance to shine. Most of the completions to <strong>Amari Cooper</strong> and <strong>Donovan Peoples-Jones</strong> seemed to be over the middle.</li>
<li id="YDPBOk">Cleveland was hurt at the receiver position, as <strong>Anthony Schwartz</strong> and <strong>David Bell</strong> exited early with injuries. That led to <strong>Demetric Felton</strong> getting 60% of the snaps as the third receiver, and you have to imagine that he’s a guy who Watson really didn’t even practice with as far as timing and reps go.</li>
<li id="yyIi3d">Schwartz fumbled on one of his early opportunities before suffering a concussion.</li>
<li id="OhceM1">We usually don’t point out special teams play, but it’s so rare that the Browns get a punt return for a touchdown that we have to mention Peoples-Jones’ big 76-yard touchdown return to put Cleveland on the board.</li>
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<li id="M2r2qN">With <strong>David Njoku</strong> out, it was <strong>Pharaoh Brown</strong> who saw the most snaps at tight end, and he also received a solid grade from PFF (76.4).</li>
<li id="fXOHgY">
<strong>Harrison Bryant</strong> caught one pass, but his biggest play was moving the chains via an end around. <strong>Kevin Stefanski</strong> loves his end arounds and screen passes with tight ends...</li>
</ul>
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<li id="z9SK82">
<strong>Joel Bitonio</strong> was the Browns’ highest-graded player, per PFF, with a grade of 86.0.</li>
<li id="TOIcRN">The Browns allowed 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits. It seemed like a lot more than that, though — it might be related to the depth Watson was dropping back and the offensive tackles not being accustom to where that depth would be.</li>
</ul>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/6/23493592/browns-offensive-snap-counts-stats-and-notes-week-13Chris Pokorny2022-12-05T12:35:35-05:002022-12-05T12:35:35-05:00Update on Sione Takitaki after being carted off in Week 13
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iwVLXmmVYt0_6l7pu9dTA_q5k6k=/0x0:4647x3098/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71709320/usa_today_19204414.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Unfortunate news for the Browns linebacker</p> <p id="LIDdJC">While the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> were looking to salt away a unique victory over the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, a potentially problematic injury took place. While special teams made another big play to force and recover a fumble, LB <strong>Sione Takitaki </strong>went down on the other side of the field.</p>
<p id="xImOpB">Takitaki was down for a few moments with trainers and his teammates coming to his side. The fourth year linebacker walked off the field with the help of two trainers and entered the blue injury tent on the sideline.</p>
<p id="LMIc2p">Quickly, Takitaki came out of the tent and sat in a golf cart to be taken to the locker room for further evaluation:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TakiTaki had to be helped into the lockerroom <a href="https://t.co/9ZXCBocumy">https://t.co/9ZXCBocumy</a> <a href="https://t.co/likTNQ7To8">pic.twitter.com/likTNQ7To8</a></p>— Baillie Burmaster (@bayburmTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/bayburmTV/status/1599510320816398336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="KC1s5N">With injuries to <strong>Anthony Walker Jr. </strong>and <strong>Jacob Phillips</strong>, Takitaki was used more and more on defense as the season went on with 50 or more snaps on defense the last three weeks. </p>
<p id="q2vm1y"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23492751/david-bell-injury-update-cleveland-browns">Earlier in the game</a>, WR <strong>David Bell</strong> went down with a hand injury and was ruled out after halftime.</p>
<p id="iLc6Ht"><strong>Update:</strong></p>
<p id="ypeOuj">The worst-case scenario has been confirmed, Takitaki tore his ACL yesterday:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> coach Kevin Stefanski said LB Sione Takitaki is out for rest of season with torn ACL</p>— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByNateUlrich/status/1599818766426071040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="PBoyxI">We will update you on Takitaki’s injury when information becomes available.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23493017/sione-takitaki-injured-carted-off-after-special-teams-playJared Mueller2022-12-05T10:01:04-05:002022-12-05T10:01:04-05:00Nick Chubb still faces 8 man boxes with Deshaun Watson at QB
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<figcaption>Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Only one game sample but Chubb’s job wasn’t easier Sunday</p> <p id="OxUcrV">The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> finally saw QB <strong>Deshaun Watson</strong> on the field for an NFL game as their starting quarterback and <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23491472/brownies-frownies-browns-take-care-of-hapless-texans-27-14">no one could like what they saw</a>. A terrible performance <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23491960/browns-offense-is-ugly-in-deshaun-watsons-return-but-cleveland-still-beats-texans-27-14">was only offset</a> by playing the lowly <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> and getting great play from the defense and special teams.</p>
<p id="AYnv68">Watson’s debut will easily be forgotten if he turns things around quickly against <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/5/23494162/browns-schedule-final-5-games">a tough finishing schedule</a>. Getting back to the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23492423/deshaun-watson-houston-texans-browns-home-stats">level of play he had prior to sitting out almost two full seasons</a> may take a while.</p>
<p id="E0ot64">One of the hopes with having Watson in at quarterback was that he would make things easier on RB <strong>Nick Chubb</strong>. For too long, Chubb had to make things easier on the passing offense and <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/11/15/23460098/browns-nick-chubb-8-man-boxes-on-a-third-of-his-carries">faced eight-man, stacked boxes</a> in order to do so. With Watson, in theory, the passing attack would make things easier on Chubb and the rushing attack.</p>
<p id="UCLJ0C">At least on the first try at it, that didn’t happen. </p>
<p id="XLeHHj"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/11/15/23460098/browns-nick-chubb-8-man-boxes-on-a-third-of-his-carries">Last time we checked in</a>, Chubb had faced eight defenders in the box on 33.75% of his snaps including a ludicrous 54.55% of snaps against the Miami Dolphins where he was stymied. <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/stats/rushing/2022/REG/13#percent-eight-defenders">This week</a>, against the Texans, his season average (31.8%) was eclipsed as he faced extra defenders 35.29% of the time.</p>
<p id="QZUEGI">Given the number of draft picks and the size of the contract given to Watson, everything will be analyzed from top to bottom. That is reasonable. It is also reasonable to expect things to improve as this season finishes up and into next year. For one game, Watson’s arrival didn’t make Chubb’s life easier. We will see if that changes <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/5/23494162/browns-schedule-final-5-games">over the next five weeks</a>.</p>
<p id="1xlBw0"><em>Are you surprised Houston committed so many guys to the box in Watson’s return game?</em></p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/5/23494211/nick-chubb-8-man-boxes-deshaun-watson-qbJared Mueller2022-12-04T18:35:45-05:002022-12-04T18:35:45-05:00BROWNIES & FROWNIES: Browns take care of hapless Texans 27-14
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<img alt="Cleveland Browns v Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tie_QpelS9AuoaW__zKWAspl6Wc=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71709894/1446753735.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>With Deshaun Watson finally under center, how would he do playing against his former club?</em></p> <div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
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<p id="LjVKo7">The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> came into the contest with Houston, the space capital, with a one-game win streak plus a new quarterback. Maybe this meant a new outlook and hope for the remainder of this 2022 season. </p>
<p id="jICVq7">Cleveland held the Number 12 seed which is five slots out of the playoff picture. A win over the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> and some help from other AFC teams had the ability to raise that seed number. Is it possible for the Browns to make the post-season if they win out? </p>
<p id="w6QMfy">The end of this year began with Houston, Watson’s old team. </p>
<p id="f8UOLY">In the end, the Browns could not move the ball on offense and relied on their defense and special teams to score points en route to a 27-14 win. If you had the Browns as your fantasy team’s defense, you racked up today. </p>
<p id="WawMCQ">So who played well for the Browns? Who didn’t? </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9wnwSa">
<h2 id="fUVQ58"><strong>BROWNIES</strong></h2>
<p id="EKD2QZ"><strong>LB Tony Fields</strong> - With Deshaun Watson’s debut, it wasn’t offensive fireworks that won the game, but a special teams ace that had his share of the highlight reel. Since MLB Anthony Walker was hurt earlier in the season, Fields has been given more and more defensive snaps each game. Against the Texans, with 9:30 remaining in the game, DE Chase Winovich batted away a pass that went directly into Fields’ hands to which he took it to the house. Four minutes later on Houston’s next possession, Fields recovered a fumble. With 3:07 to go in the game, Texans RB Dameon Pierce ran free when Fields planted him for a minimal gain. Fields was also in the mix when the Texans fumbled inside their own five to which Denzel Ward then did a scoop and score. </p>
<p id="zvm4bl"><strong>S John Johnson</strong> - The game began with a heads-up play by Johnson when he intercepted the ball off a tip by its intended receiver TE Teagan Quitoriano. Johnson made a terrific play on a sweep by Pierce when he read the run then shot the gap to nail the running back for no gain. Had a very good pass breakup in the third quarter. </p>
<p id="IweN1z"><strong>Third down defense</strong> - Houston went 1-7 in the first half and 1-11 for the game. </p>
<p id="GgCaEe"><strong>LB Sione Takitaki </strong>- Was around the ball all game and has become a very good coverage linebacker. Left the field with an undisclosed injury. Led all tacklers with nine. </p>
<p id="gU0vb8"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23493017/sione-takitaki-injured-carted-off-after-special-teams-play"><strong>RELATED: LB TAKITAKI CARTED OFF AFTER INJURY</strong></a></p>
<p id="rnhiZu"><strong>P Corey Bojorquez</strong> - Every week this guy does something significant and the Texans’ game was no exception. Boomed the kick after the safety to inside the five-yard line. Had six punts for a 51.8 average with four dropped inside the 20. With 10:38 left in the third quarter, his punt went out at the one which eventually became the Denzel Ward fumble recovery for a touchdown. What a weapon Bojo has been this year. </p>
<p id="IqlC2B"><strong>K Cade York</strong> - Maybe the rookie has regained his mojo as he converted both field goal attempts. The majority of his kickoffs are landing at the minus-6 mark. </p>
<p id="FEsKZ6"><strong>Fourth down shut down</strong> - The Texans went for their lone fourth down attempt early in the second quarter where S Grant Delpit was able to penetrate and nail QB Kyle Allen. </p>
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<img alt="Cleveland Browns v Houston Texans" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-HZSXeE474UK2L-2V3xVcKnqMgM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24262858/1446742229.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="tUrgxs"><strong>WR Donovan Peoples-Jones</strong> - Had an early catch for 27 yards which appeared to be how the entire passing game would be. His 76-yard stumbling, bumbling punt return for a touchdown midway through the second quarter put Cleveland ahead 7-5 and electrified the crowd. With just over seven minutes left in the game, DPJ went back for another punt and angled over as the ball hit on the other side of the field and then rolled harmlessly into the end zone for a touchback instead of bad field position. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Dmx61u">
<h2 id="mTneTv"><strong>FROWNIES</strong></h2>
<p id="EVSZFK"><strong>QB Deshaun Watson</strong> - After the game, the field was covered in this dull, brownish metal shavings as Watson tried to dust off the rust from not playing for 22 months. The end result was a horrible showing. Watson had five throws to open receivers that were in the dirt and uncatchable. Two others were tossed down low to which Kareem Hunt grabbed one on an exceptional grab. What was supposed to be a fireworks display from the three-time Pro Bowl QB ended up more like some bacon sizzle instead. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cleveland Browns v Houston Texans" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LmpcmA5Ver2Z1bZZ9r7NTkCksQo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24262856/1446732527.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="Czj38T">No long runs, no on-target bombs, no, well....nothing. Had just 90 yards passing midway through the third quarter. On the interception, his target was double covered and the defender, Jalen Pitre, barely even moved before the pass came straight to him. The lone sack was the QB not getting out fast enough or seeing that his safety valve Hunt was wide open in the right flats. Facing a key third-and-six halfway through the fourth quarter, Watson tossed the pass deep into the end zone where only rust particles had accumulated but no warm bodies. With 31 ticks left in the third quarter, Demetric Felton was wide open on the left side except Watson turfed it instead. Finished with 12 completions on 22 attempts for 131 yards and an interception with a QB Rating of 53.4. Horrible debut. </p>
<p id="jA6un6"><strong>Offense</strong> - The Browns were playing one of the worst run defenses in the league and yet had constant struggles running the ball. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt had just one really good run each. And the ultra-scrambling abilities of Watson were supposed to be this triple rushing threat yet Watson had just one good run. The passing game was almost non-existent. Donovan Peoples-Jones was the best receiver and netted a paltry 44 yards of which 27 occurred early in the contest. </p>
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<img alt="NFL: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qz6gbyL2GrEeWcC446o5H7Ag8aE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24262898/usa_today_19563823.jpg">
<cite>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="t1AjAM">Anthony Schwartz gave up a fumble on one offensive possession. After the Watson interception into the end zone in the first quarter, Cleveland’s offense did not cross the 50-yard line until 14:01 left in the game. Chubb and Hunt were stuffed on numerous runs. How is this for first-half possessions: punt, fumble, interception, safety, punt, punt, end of the half. One 11 plays or more drive the entire game. Is this the same offense from last week? Was difficult to see the sideline shots of Watson and Jacoby Brissett sitting on the bench together and wondering when Brissett was going to come in and move this offense. Two field goals was the offense’s contribution to the outcome. </p>
<p id="4Q7O1g"><strong>Third down conversions</strong> - With a stagnant offensive effort, converting third downs was an issue. The Browns converted just three of 12 all game which resulted in six punts. Ouch. </p>
<p id="MSBHYN"><strong>WR Anthony Schwartz</strong> - All that World Class speed is useless if on your first catch you fumble the ball. Missed a tackle on a punt return with 32 seconds left in the first half. </p>
<p id="v6hQuB"><strong>Play calling</strong> - Best running duo in the league against one of the worst run defenses and yet few runs all game, Houston committed four turnovers yet the offense sputtered on all but three drives. Plays called leading up to the two field goals were for long passes when only six yards were needed. A very puzzling day. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="LXP8FV">
<h3 id="mncfaG"><strong>Milk Bones – When your spouse tells you to choose between he/she or the Browns, and you realize how much you miss he/she</strong></h3>
<p id="twzbSC"><strong>CB Denzel Ward</strong> - For some reason, Ward just cannot wrap up anymore. He missed two tackles including with 12 seconds to go in the first quarter when WR Nico Collins caught a short pass to which Ward then whiffed as Collins made a first down. Ward scored the fumble recovery touchdown midway through the third stanza which changed the complexity of the game.</p>
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<img alt="Cleveland Browns v Houston Texans" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/onv8erHJXJd_iXI6yre2T0MgReQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24262848/1446753322.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="ReEe34"><strong>DE Chase Winovich</strong> - Made several good plays in his first game back. On his batted pass that led to the Fields' interception for a score, QB Allen pumped the throw first to which Winovich jumped up. But when Allen reloaded and actually threw the ball, Winovich was able to regain his jump and batted the ball upwards. </p>
<p id="oTnXw6"><strong>CB Greedy Williams</strong> - Someone please teach this guy how to tackle the man instead of trying to rip out every completed catch that is made to his side. With 2:16 left in the game, WR Chris Moore made the catch as Williams immediately grabbed Moore’s arms and hands. As his gripe was dislodged, instead of an attempt to bring his man down, Williams simply gave up and Moore gained a first down. The very next play Houston scored a touchdown.</p>
<p id="aAZhL9"><strong>DT Perrion Winfrey</strong> - There were some running plays where Winfrey was moved off the hole, but often he had gap integrity and made plays. Finished with six tackles. </p>
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https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23491472/brownies-frownies-browns-take-care-of-hapless-texans-27-14Barry Shuck2022-12-04T16:13:01-05:002022-12-04T16:13:01-05:00Browns’ offense is ugly in Deshaun Watson’s return, but Cleveland still beats Texans 27-14
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<figcaption>Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Browns had three touchdowns from the defense and special teams.</p> <p id="ycXDqu"><strong>Deshaun Watson’s</strong> first game with the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> was rusty as hell, and the offense didn’t score any touchdowns against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Despite that, the defense and special teams units stepped up with a combined three touchdowns, en route to a 27-14 victory, improving the team’s record to 5-7. Let’s get to the full recap.</p>
<p id="pFJ7FL">Houston received the opening kickoff, and on the first play of the game, QB <strong>Kyle Allen </strong> ran a playaction fake. Facing a blitz from the secondary, Allen lofted the ball downfield to a tight end, who made a great diving grab — but as he hit the ground, the ball popped loose and up in the air to S <strong>John Johnson</strong>, who was behind him. The officials initially ruled the play incomplete, but head coach <strong>Kevin Stefanski</strong> challenged the ruling. The ball never touched the ground, so it went down as an interception for Johnson.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That was.... intercepted?!<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLEvsHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLEvsHOU</a> on CBS<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/Vz8D2Cm19r">https://t.co/Vz8D2Cm19r</a> <a href="https://t.co/A3ap8ZEcBR">pic.twitter.com/A3ap8ZEcBR</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1599465375309000705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="L9zK21">The Browns’ offense took over at their own 43 yard line. After a 7-yard run by RB <strong>Nick Chubb</strong> to midfield, QB <strong>Deshaun Watson’s</strong> first pass attempt was a quick hitter to WR <strong>Amari Cooper</strong>, but the defensive back was right on him and broke it up with a hit. On 3rd-and-3, Watson was pressured off the edge and the play quickly broke down, leading to an incomplete pass and a punt.</p>
<p id="pioXP4">The <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>’ second drive had them pinned back at the 10 yard line. After picking up one first down, Houston had to punt after DE <strong>Myles Garrett</strong> was held on a third down pass (which was incomplete anyway). The Browns would start a little further back on their second drive, from the 30 yard line. After a 5-yard run by Chubb, Watson completed his first pass, finding WR <strong>Anthony Schwartz</strong> for a first down. Unfortunately, as Schwartz started running, CB <strong>Tavierre Thomas</strong> punched the ball out from the side and Houston recovered at the Cleveland 38-yard line.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A thing of beauty.<br><br> » <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonCBS</a> <a href="https://t.co/yx3Zg1LHwI">pic.twitter.com/yx3Zg1LHwI</a></p>— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1599470061080940544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="RvLfRW">The Texans advanced to have a first down at the 16 yard line, but a facemask penalty and then a false start on the offense set them back to a 1st-and-30 from the 36 yard line. The Texans ran the ball to help get into field goal range for K <strong>Ka’imi Fairbairn</strong>, who put it through from 44 yards out to give Houston a 3-0 lead.</p>
<p id="NMDnAA">The Browns’ third possession started with its worst field position, back at the 16 yard line. Chubb got the drive started hot with an 18-yard run, and then Watson threw a couple of low passes — one incomplete to Cooper, and one that RB <strong>Kareem Hunt</strong> pulled in low for a first down. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">takes all 11 to bring him down! <br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLEvsHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLEvsHOU</a> on CBS<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/hMcIouML4S">pic.twitter.com/hMcIouML4S</a></p>— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1599471864627482626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="OBKqj2">Later in the drive, on 3rd-and-1, QB <strong>Jacoby Brissett</strong> was brought in and handed the ball to TE Harrison Bryant on an end around for 8 yards. Watson returned and found WR <strong>Donovan Peoples-Jones</strong> for 27 yards down to the 11 yard line. On 1st-and-10 from the 11, Watson dropped back and threw the ball over the middle right into the arms of S <strong>Jalen Pitre </strong>for an interception. Pitre returned the ball out to the 26 yard line.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A takeaway in the end zone >>> <a href="https://twitter.com/JalenPitre1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JalenPitre1</a><br><br> » <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonCBS</a> <a href="https://t.co/pMNGDwvgrd">pic.twitter.com/pMNGDwvgrd</a></p>— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1599474370191446018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="qpcO9X">The Texans proceeded to drive the ball all the way to a 1st-and-goal from the 3 yard line. Two pass attempts fell incomplete, and then a Shotgun handoff was stopped at the 1 yard line. On 4th-and-1, the Texans went for it, going for a playaction pass right at the goal line. S <strong>Grant Delpit</strong> hit the receiver in the gut as the ball arrived, forcing the turnover on downs — but also leaving Watson in an undesirable situation backed up in his own end zone.</p>
<p id="ezHgy1">Chubb gained 1 yard on first down, but then a false start by RG <strong>Wyatt Teller</strong> put them right back. On 2nd-and-10 from the 1 yard line, Chubb got the handoff again, but couldn’t get out of the end zone and was taken down for a safety to put the Texans up 5-0. </p>
<div id="oKGTjP">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lockdown D <br><br> » <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonCBS</a> <a href="https://t.co/jSewZ6GHzq">pic.twitter.com/jSewZ6GHzq</a></p>— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1599479085721190401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="Fg11eM">P <strong>Corey Bojorquez</strong> got a booming 79-yard safety punt off to the 1 yard line, but the coverage team did an awful job tackling, and it was returned all the way to the Cleveland 49 yard line. Houston couldn’t get a first down this time, though, so they punted it — <em>right back down to the 1 yard line again</em>.</p>
<p id="7drnxW">This time, they got some breathing room with 8-yard playaction pass to Cooper, followed by a 7-yard run by Hunt. A holding penalty after a Watson run made it 1st-and-18 at the 19 yard line. Cleveland was able to get it to a 3rd-and-2, but went for a run to Chubb for a yard. On 4th-and-1 from the 36 yard line, Stefanski stayed conservative and punted — this time, Bojoquez’ punt was downed back at the 8 yard line, helping reverse the field.</p>
<p id="AZcLCZ">The defense forced a three-and-out, as the Texans punted from the 16 yard line. Peoples-Jones fielded it back at the 24 yard line, and broke a few tackles, stumbled, and then re-gained his balance as he sprinted up the right sideline for a 76-yard touchdown and a 7-5 Browns lead!</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">one cut and GONE <br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLEvsHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLEvsHOU</a> on CBS<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/5BadU3fWmG">pic.twitter.com/5BadU3fWmG</a></p>— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1599484820140482562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="37pUgM">The Texans got into a 3rd-and-2 situation from the Browns’ 46-yard line heading into the two-minute warning. Houston had a botched handoff on the read-option, so Allen had to fall on it for a 4 yard loss. Houston punted, with the Browns taking over at the 9 yard line and 1:22 remaining. The Browns picked up one first down, but then on a 3rd-and-4, Watson inexplicably appeared to throw the ball backward while tucking it, and Houston recovered for an easy touchdown. After discussion, the referees ruled it to be an incomplete pass instead, allowing Cleveland to fortunately punt it instead.</p>
<div id="x7uwdk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Deshaun Watson threw the football backwards after getting pressured, it was ruled a fumble on the field that was return for a touchdown to give the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texans</a> the lead. <br><br>Watson didn't even try to run after the ball either. Play should be reviewed.<a href="https://t.co/lf2oSXRLED">pic.twitter.com/lf2oSXRLED</a></p>— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1599486179992391682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="rYFcNm">The Browns’ defense then came up with their own three-and-out, but on second down,<strong> </strong>CB <strong>Greg Newsome</strong> <em>just</em> missed an interception. The Texans punted again, and Cleveland did two runs with Hunt to head into the half. That half of football was almost exactly like the half of preseason football we saw with Watson: rusty as hell, and ultimately no points from the offense.</p>
<p id="FkiKAO">The Texans angle-kicked RB <strong>Jerome Ford</strong> again on the opening kickoff of the second half, leading to a return only to the 13 yard line. The Browns worked their way to midfield with a mix of runs and short passes, including a 13-yard pass to Cooper over the middle. But on their next third down, 3rd-and-6, Watson’s sideline pass to Cooper was way too low and short. Cleveland punted, and Bojorquez’ big day continued as his punt was downed at the 2 yard line — and a block in the back by the Texans then put it back to the 1 yard line.</p>
<p id="bHLdBe">The field position paid off. RB <strong>Damion Pierce</strong> was stuffed for no gain on first down. On second down, Allen tried a quarterback sneak, but the ball was poked free in the pile. CB <strong>Denzel Ward</strong>, who standing behind everything all alone, simply picked it up and walked it around the edge for a touchdown to give the Browns a 14-5 lead.</p>
<p id="F0vTro">Then, the defensive line started wanting to make unforced errors — DT <strong>Taven Bryan </strong> called for roughing the passer, and later, DE <strong>Chase Winovich</strong> with a personal foul on Allen away from the play for two 15-yard penalties to get Houston into the red zone. The defense recovered to hold the Texans to a 35-yard field goal by Fairbairn, which made it a 14-8 game with 5:08 to go in the third quarter.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">right place, right time for The Warden <br><br>his 2nd fumble recovery score of the year and 3rd career TD <a href="https://t.co/txYUnJ5W9p">pic.twitter.com/txYUnJ5W9p</a></p>— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1599495783992406018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="IofkBA">Cleveland moved the ball to midfield with runs of 21 and 5 yards by Chubb. On 2nd-and-5 from the 50, Chubb was stopped for no gain, and then on third down, Watson couldn’t find anyone open and was sacked for a loss of a yard. The Browns punted to the 19 yard line with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter, still without an offensive touchdown by either team on the day. The defense forced a quick three-and-out to force a punt before the end of the quarter.</p>
<p id="S7fbXn">Watson and the offense took their next stab from their own 33 yard line. His first pass on a mini rollout for RB <strong>Demetric Felton</strong> wasn’t even close. Fortunately, Hunt ran to the right side for 15 yards and a first down heading into the fourth quarter. Facing a 3rd-and-7 a few plays later, Watson completed a safe slant to Cooper to move the chains. Then, the ground game started to take over with Hunt and Chubb to get the ball into long field goal range. An illegal block in the back penalty by Peoples-Jones put them in a 2nd-and-17 situation, though. Watson took off for 11 yards to set up a 3rd-and-6 — but his pass sailed incomplete, so K <strong>Cade York</strong> was brought on to try a 43-yard field goal, and he calmly drilled it to put the Browns up 17-8, restoring the two-possession lead with 9:36 remaining.</p>
<p id="p2miSA">The Browns then gained some more breathing room, courtesy of the defense. Allen wanted to throw a screen pass, but Garrett, DE <strong>Chase Winovich</strong>, and LB <strong>Tony Fields</strong> were in the way. Allen clutched, then tried throwing it, but Winovich got his paw out to deflect it in the air. Fields caught it and returned it 16 yards with no one in his way for a touchdown! That put the Browns up 24-8 with 9:30 remaining.</p>
<div id="yt8kaM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/T_Fields1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T_Fields1</a> takes his first-career INT to the end zone!<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLEvsHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLEvsHOU</a> on CBS<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/FaHQAGHBDq">pic.twitter.com/FaHQAGHBDq</a></p>— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1599506004319748096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="hd2tue">The defense forced another stop before midfield, and Houston was forced to punt it away with 7:46 remaining. Cleveland went three-and-out while running the ball, taking the clock down to under six minutes before punting it away. On the punt return, the Texans coughed it up again, and Fields recovered. The Browns ran the ball to burn more clock before York connected on a 42-yard field goal to make it a 27-8 game.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="fi" dir="ltr">Jordan Kunaszyk Tony Fields<br> <br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLEvsHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLEvsHOU</a> on CBS<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/IZZ85V8TtJ">pic.twitter.com/IZZ85V8TtJ</a></p>— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1599508595019694080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="HKUj0l">The Texans then got the first offensive touchdown of the game with 1:57 remaining, as Allen found WR <strong>Niko Collins </strong>on the quick hitter from 6 yards out to make it a 27-14 game. The Texans went for two, but could not convert. They went for the onside kick after that, but it traveled out of bounds.</p>
<p id="6Q7Y2q">Up next, the Browns travel to Cincinnati for their re-match with the Bengals. But they are going to need Watson to be 100x better if they’re going to have a chance.</p>
<h3 id="hKlJhZ">Quick Hitters</h3>
<ul>
<li id="jS4sM0">QB <strong>Deshaun Watson:</strong> 12-of-22 for 131 yards, 1 interception. 7 rushes, 20 yards.</li>
<li id="vjLi67">RB <strong>Nick Chubb: </strong>17 carries, 80 yards (4.7 YPC).</li>
<li id="bDrGCk">RB <strong>Kareem Hunt:</strong> 9 carries, 56 yards (6.2 YPC). 2 catches, 18 yards.</li>
<li id="cLGNf3">WR <strong>Amari Cooper:</strong> 4 catches, 40 yards.</li>
<li id="IZ5f8y">WR <strong>Donovan Peoples-Jones:</strong> 3 catches, 44 yards. 1 punt return touchdown.</li>
<li id="GY92j2">DE <strong>Myles Garrett:</strong> 3 tackles.</li>
<li id="zzaHZx">LB <strong>Tony Fields:</strong> 4 tackles, 1 interception for touchdown, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery.</li>
<li id="jEOKYj">CB <strong>Denzel Ward:</strong> 6 tackles, 1 fumble recovery for touchdown.</li>
</ul>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23491960/browns-offense-is-ugly-in-deshaun-watsons-return-but-cleveland-still-beats-texans-27-14Chris Pokorny2022-12-04T16:02:51-05:002022-12-04T16:02:51-05:00Browns WR David Bell leaves game with injury, questionable to return
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<img alt="Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S0gv7gE1rwCv_Huq3abXwX4jcW8=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71708664/usa_today_19520141.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>First report says Bell has a hand injury</p> <p id="HWAmQs">The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> and <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> had a messy start to their Week 13 matchup including turnovers by both teams. FS <strong>John Johnson III </strong>pulled in an interception off a missed catch while the Texans punched the ball out from WR <strong>Anthony Schwartz</strong> and recovered the fumble.</p>
<p id="8YYiNn">After that fumble, more bad news came as rookie WR <strong>David Bell</strong> was seen walking into the locker room with a member of the training staff. Prior to Houston getting on the board first with a field goal, it was announced that Bell had a hand injury and was questionable to return to the game.</p>
<p id="wnOKI0">Bell was targeted on the team’s first drive, diving to try to catch one of QB <strong>Deshaun Watson’s </strong>first attempts since his return.</p>
<p id="abJIPj">The Browns announced that Bell was questionable to return to the game. Without Bell, Schwartz could see more time on the field. TE <strong>David Njoku</strong> is out for the game due to injury and WR <strong>Michael Woods II</strong> is inactive for the game leaving few options including RB/WR <strong>Demetric Felton</strong>.</p>
<p id="8PcHJC"><strong>Update:</strong></p>
<p id="bj79Tm">The team ruled Bell out for the remainder of the game shortly after halftime.</p>
<p id="vUpedD">We will keep you up to date as information becomes available on Bell’s injury.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/12/4/23492751/david-bell-injury-update-cleveland-brownsJared Mueller