Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images The Detroit Lions offense doesn’t look like itself through 2 weeks. How concerning is that? This early in the NFL season, it’s natural to overreact to what we’ve seen thus far. Sample sizes may be low and strength of opponent is unknown, but it’s all the data we have to work with. And for a team like Detroit Lions, who have historically disappointed their fanbase—even if the few instances of high expectation—it’s understandable that fan confidence dropped a small but significant amount thus far. But will the struggles continue? No one has the actual answer to that right now, but it’s worth taking inventory of how bad it currently is, how likely the Lions will rebound, and if they’ll rebound soon enough for it to matter. And because this is where most of the problems are through two weeks, let’s focus on the offense. Today’s Question of the Day is: How concerning is the Lions’ start on offense? My answer: Let’s first take inventory of the problem itself. Detroit is averaging just 21.0 points per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. They’re averaging 5.7 yards per play, which is 11th. Just using the most basic of statistics, the Lions are still—at worst—a middle-of-the-back offense. When you jump into some more advanced statistics, the story is not all that much different. They rank 18th in overall offensive DVOA (which is not defense-adjusted yet), but 10th (or 16th) in expected points added (EPA) per play. Again, we’re talking about an average performance on offense. Of course, average is still a significant step down from previous years in which Detroit was producing arguably a top-five offense. And where we see the most significant drop-off is in the passing game. Yes, the Lions currently rank second in passing yards, but their efficiency metrics are way down. Yards per attempt 2023: 7.6 (sixth)2024: 6.4 (23rd) Passer rating 2023: 98.2 (fifth)2024: 70.6 (25th) EPA/dropback 2023: +0.08 (fourth)2024: -0.16 (20th) As I pointed out earlier in the week, many of Jared Goff’s struggles have come with a clean pocket, which is typically his biggest strength. So now that we’ve identified a clear problem, should we worry about it? I’m nowhere near there yet. First, let’s consider strength of opponent. We don’t know much about these teams yet, but what we do know is that last year the Buccaneers ranked 14th in pass defense DVOA while the Rams ranked 21st. Also, important for last week’s performance: the Bucs had the third-best red zone defense last year. Does that excuse a 1-of-7 performance from Detroit? No. That’s never going to be excusable. But it’s important context nonetheless. Is that compelling enough evidence to suggest the Lions’ struggles are simply a matter of strong opponents through two weeks? I don’t think so, but it could be part of the equation, particularly with Tampa. But what really has me optimistic the Lions will pull out of this slow start is Goff’s history. Yes, things did fall off with the Rams after a few successful seasons, but the one thing he has always been good at is playing with a clean pocket. Just look at these stats with “no pressure” since 2018, per NFL Pro. 2018: +0.45 EPA per dropback (third)2019: +0.27 (11th) 2020: +0.22 (22nd)2021: +0.16 (21st) 2022: +0.34 (second)2023: +0.31 (fourth) Were there some down years? Yeah, sure. But he still produced a positive number despite some severe issues around him, including a lack of a run game, questionable receiving corps (see 2021), and poor offensive line play that could certain impact his comfort level even when the pocket is clean. His EPA per dropback this year for a clean pocket is -0.06, 27th in the NFL. That is significantly worse than any of his last six seasons, and based on every statistic I’ve seen and the film I’ve watched, there is no other reasonable explanation for this other than the most simple one: this is an outlier that will be straightened out with time. So, in short, I’m not worried. There is no evidence in Goff’s career that he will continue to struggle like this. My overall concern level for the offense—especially considering I didn’t even mention how successful they remain at running the ball (highest success rate in the NFL)—is about 2.5 out of 10.
Discussion: How concerning is the Detroit Lions’ offensive start?
Giants news, 9/21: Hyatt denies trade demand, Shane Bowen, Brian Burns, more headlines
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports New York Giants news for Saturday Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Should the New York Giants trade for Panthers QB Bryce Young? Giants DC Shane Bowen: ‘We’ve got to force them to punt’ Giants-Browns 5 matchups to watch: To get first victory, Giants need to win these Giants-Browns staff picks: BBV writers are all-in … on the Browns Giants-Browns injury report: Giants appear relatively healthy entering Week 3 Week 3 best prop bets for Giants-Browns Giants at Cleveland Browns 2024, Week 2: Everything you need to know Other Giant observations Malik Nabers: NY Giants receiver must lead evolution of offense | The Record The ability of Nabers to draw attention away from the other wide receivers should give them winnable matchups, creating more throwing windows for Jones. The way Stefon Diggs helped transform the Bills’ offense run by Daboll in Buffalo just by his presence on the field was a big reason for their success that season. “If teams start sending multiple guys at Malik, that creates 1-on-1 matchups for the rest of us, and we need to cash in,” Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson said. “You need to go into every game with answers – answers not just to what they do, but what you think they’re going to do, and the way Malik is playing, they have to defend him. We need to take advantage.” Interesting breakdown by Kurt Warner about the Giants last offensive play Insightful breakdown of the #Giants last fourth down attempt by @kurt13warner Link to his Week 2 Daniel Jones review in the comments. pic.twitter.com/mkAU67Sal4 — Nick Falato (@nickfalato) September 20, 2024 Is overhauled Giants offensive line actually better? We’re about to find out | The Athletic But enthusiasm about the line has to be tempered by the opposition being the woeful Commanders. The Browns will pose a much stiffer test on Sunday. If the Giants’ line meets that challenge, it’ll fuel belief that the unit has made real progress. Garrett primarily lines up across from the left tackle, but he moves around. It would make sense for Cleveland to avoid a Garrett matchup with Thomas and instead look to exploit right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Regardless of which side Garrett is on, expect him to draw the focus of multiple players via double teams and chips. Evan Neal a Forgotten Man? | SI.com Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo was asked about Neal’s progress and if there might be a role for him as an extra blocker. “Evan definitely excels in run blocking, and he’s doing a good job of working himself back into this mix and getting the rust off,” Bricillo said. “It’s been a long hiatus in those injuries, and he’s doing a good job. Given an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be able to help us.” Giants’ Hyatt: ‘My chance will come and … I will be ready” – ESPN The second year wide receiver has no catches and one target in two games this season. “Would’ve looked at you crazy,” Hyatt said if he was told that would be the case prior to the season. “It is definitely disappointing. I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m perfectly fine with it. I’m not. But it’s like, ‘What can I do now?’ It’s either I can sit here and pout and be mad at the world and not get better, or I can keep attacking the days and keep getting better at practice.” Daboll: Hyatt never said he wanted to be traded to me Brian Daboll says Jalin Hyatt is “one of the closer guys I am with on this team” pic.twitter.com/kgolUFBNmf — Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 20, 2024 Dabs’ Digest: Week 3 conversation with Coach Brian Daboll | Giants.com Q: What makes the Browns defense so good? Daboll: “They do a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage, getting penetration into the backfield, affecting the quarterback. They play tight man-to-man coverage. They have a good blitz package when they use it. They disguise things well. Good players. Got a good veteran defensive line with (defensive end Myles) Garrett (the reigning NFL Player of the Year), Za’Darius Smith, (former Giant Dalvin) Tomlinson, (Shelby) Harris. JOK (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah). (Denzel) Ward is a top corner in this league.” The Giants on display at Canton Cool new display at @ProFootballHOF of @Giants Hall of Famers. Uniform and helmet on left from the 1930’s. pic.twitter.com/f2Ok9mVV04 — Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) September 20, 2024 32 Thoughts Ahead of NFL Week 3 | Bleacher Report New York Giants: Love that we’re getting a good look at Malik Nabers, but he has received nearly 40 percent of the offense’s targets thus far. That’s a recipe for disaster in terms of predictability. 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Former NFL GM selects QB for Panthers at No. 1| CBSSports.com 2. Carson Beck, Georgia, QB. You have to make a change if you’re the Giants. Daniel Jones has not inspired confidence within that building, and so it’s time for a change. That change is Georgia’s Carson Beck with the No. 2 overall pick. This week’s opponent Myles Garrett: I don’t feel 100 percent, but I feel good enough to make a difference | Pro Football Talk Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is still dealing with a foot injury, but plans to play on Sunday against the Giants. Garrett played 68 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps against Jacksonville after playing 76 percent in Week 1. He recorded three total tackles with a tackle for loss and a strip-sack. “Don’t feel 100 percent, but I feel good enough to go out there and make a difference, so I’m going to go out there and do that,” Garrett said during his Friday press conference. 32 Thoughts Ahead of NFL Week 3 | Bleacher Report Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson has been the most pressured quarterback in the league and his receivers lead the NFL in drops. I’m not excusing him entirely, but the Browns have to
Rams looking to avoid first 0-3 start since this guy was head coach
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images The Rams haven’t been 0-3 since 2011 The last time the Rams started a season 0-3, they were hosting Joe Flacco’s Baltimore Ravens and gave up three first quarter touchdowns to Torrey Smith. It literally took two plays for the Ravens to score on a 74-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to Smith and by the early third quarter, Baltimore led 30-0. Now 0-2 going into a home game against the defending NFC champions, Sean McVay hopes to never go where Steve Spagnuolo went 13 years ago. The last time the Rams started 0-3 was in 2011, the third year under Spagnuolo, and the second season for quarterback Sam Bradford. Coming off of a 7-9 season as Bradford won Offensive Rookie of the Year, expectations were up for St. Louis and the idea that with a new quarterback and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Rams could get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. However, the wait to get to the postseason would take another six years. The Rams lost to Michael Vick’s Eagles, 31-13, in Week 1, then to Eli Manning and the Giants by a score of 28-16. After the Ravens were done with them 37-7, the Rams would lose three more games before finally beating the Saints in Week 8. St. Louis would lose to the Cardinals in overtime in Week 9, beat the Browns 13-12 in Week 10, then close out the season with seven straight losses. The Rams fired Spagnuolo after a 2-14 season, his second time in three years losing at least 14 games, and turned to Jeff Fisher in 2012. How can the L.A. Rams make sure history does not repeat itself? The @Giants have been a disaster since 2017. When they let McAdoo go they should have hired Steve Spagnuolo as HC. Since then the giants have gone through 2 and working on a 3rd HC, while Spags has won 3 Super Bowls with KC. Bring Spags back for a 3rd run. pic.twitter.com/KqICHrhTxM — Brendan Walsh (@PBRendan) September 19, 2024 The interesting thing about that 0-6 start is that the schedule was difficult, especially for a team that would finish dead last in scoring and touchdown passes: The Giants won the Super Bowl that year, the Ravens went 12-4, the Packers went 15-1, and the Eagles and Cowboys would both finish 8-8. The only losing team in the first six weeks turned out to be Washington and the Rams at least had chances to win that game: Two chances, but both drives stalled in the final five minutes as St. Louis went on to lose 17-10. That 2011 defense also featured a lot of names that were probably lost in history to most. Guys like Justin King, James Hall, Brady Poppinga, Quintin Mikell, Darian Stewart, Christ Chamberlain, Josh Gordy, Fred Robbins, and Craig Dahl. Experienced vets like Mikell and Dahl were at the end of their careers. Offensively, the Rams were led in receiving by 30-year-old Brandon Lloyd at 683 yards (on 117 targets, so a paltry 5.8 YPT), followed by Brandon Gibson and Danario Alexander. If Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp miss extended time, L.A,’s current receivers would match up with the receivers that the Rams had in 2011. Rams are 0-2. They have not been 0-3 since 2011, when St. Louis Rams started 0-6 and finished 2-14. — Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) September 19, 2024 Starting 0-3 ended up being only the beginning of Spagnuolo’s problems that year. The 2-14 season led to firing him and a lot of other people, and it would take over a decade basically for him to rebuild his reputation as the three-time champion DC of the Kansas City Chiefs. To the point where Spagnuolo might even be hired by a team again in 2025 with another good year in Kansas City. But that would mean it only took 13 years for him to recover. Now here the Rams sit at 0-2 and probably feeling like 0-17 after losing by 31 points to the Arizona Cardinals. But the schedule hasn’t been easy, going to Detroit to play the Lions in Week 1, then a road NFC West game, then a game against the 49ers, followed by another road game in Chicago next week. Sean McVay knows the score: The Rams need a win and they need it this weekend at SoFi Stadium. Otherwise, we’ll be back here in four days talking about 2011 again and the last time the Rams started 0-4.
Patrick Queen might get the last laugh after joining the Steelers
Patrick Queen might get the last laugh after joining the Steelers Larry Brown Jr. The Pittsburgh Steelers already have a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker Patrick Queen has to be feeling good. The Steelers are undefeated in 2024 with a defense ranking No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed per game. Queen might not like Baltimore’s seafood that much, but him, linebacker Roquan Smith, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr had a very close bond before he left. Queen was there inside the Ravens’ locker room in 2023 as he watched what seemed to be a perfect season and potential Super Bowl get hindered by the stubbornness of the teams’ offensive coordinator. Angered and frustrated with a lack of team accountability, Queen joined the Steelers this off-season for an opportunity to play under head coach Mike Tomlin and next to all-pro linebacker T.J Watt. Queen’s decision to leave was initially questionable, but incentives, including a pay raise and an a opportunity to covertly get revenge by playing against the team that ruined his dreams in 2024, are extremely valid. The Ravens defense hasn’t been terrible this season, but they do rank last in the NFL in opponent pass yards allowed per game. Queen definitely play as a factor versus those underneath passes as Raven last season, hurrying running backs on flat routes, and disturbing tight-ends inside the hash marks. Sure, it’s only week three in the NFL, but after a 0-2 Ravens’ start, Queen has to feel good about his decision to leave Baltimore.
Jermaine Burton details recent changes to routine; Joe Burrow says he’s gotten ‘exponentially better’
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images The Alabama rookie loved to hear Burrow compliment his approach to the game the past few weeks The Cincinnati Bengals are looking for a bounce-back win this upcoming week when they host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football. Although the team is currently 0-2, yet again, there was a massive leap from week one to week two from a production standpoint in all three phases. One name that continues to grow is rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton. The third-round NFL Draft pick out of Alabama made a huge play for the Bengals against the Chiefs, and Joe Burrow’s trust is growing week to week. During Burrow’s weekly press conference, he named Burton as a guy he has enjoyed seeing grow and believes the rookie has gotten “exponentially better.” Burton heard about the compliment from the franchise quarterback and couldn’t help but smile. Jermaine Burton, who Joe Burrow says has gotten “exponentially better”, says he had a 30-minute conversation with Zack Moss and learned a lot. pic.twitter.com/OuACKNMVHw — Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 19, 2024 Burton also described some of the changes he’s made recently to improve his level of play. “Dealing more with the body and stuff like that,” Burton said. “Coming in getting extra treatment on my body, hot tub, cold tub, steam room, eating better, drinking more water, drinking more fluids and electrolytes stuff like that. So when it does come time to practice, I feel better. When it does come time for game time, I feel better. So I just want to put myself in the best position possible to perform at my best.” Everyone should listen to that interview if they are interested in Burton because you can feel his maturity growing since he arrived in Cincinnati. The rookie knows there will be limited opportunities to showcase his talents this season and has full intentions to take full advantage of each one when his number is called.
Has the Colts’ Alec Pierce Broken Out?
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images The Colts third year Wide Receiver has had his share of ups and downs as a pro, but could he finally be breaking out now? Alec Pierce has been the Colts third option in the passing game for his entire career thus far, first behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell in 2022, then behind Pittman and a rookie Josh Downs in 2023. With Downs out to start this season, Pierce has had an opportunity to be at least the 2nd option in the passing game for the first time in a while. The former Bearcat stayed on the boundary, but his role has gotten increased importance with Anthony Richardson back under center and with Downs out. Thus far in the 2024 season, Pierce is both the 2nd leading WR in target share for the Colts and their leader in Average Depth of Target as their top vertical threat. Richardson has lead the entire NFL in ADOT, reflecting his increased reliance on Piece. Pierce has been his most reliable receiving threat thus far, with a team best: 187 Receiving Yards 80% Catch Rate 0% Drop Rate 50% Contested Target Rate 16.4% Catch Rate Over Expected (min. 3 Targets) +8.9 Receiving Expected Points Added He is even 7th in the NFL in Yards per Route Run and Receiving Grade amongst 84 qualified WRs. Alec Pierce among WRs this season: 82.8 receiving grade (6th)⚪ 181 receiving yards (6th) 2 receiving TDs (T-1st)⚪ 3.35 yards per route run (5th) pic.twitter.com/zRCHTrUaOP — PFF IND Colts (@colts_pff) September 18, 2024 Safe to say his impact has been tremendous so far in 2024. While his work to be more fluid of a route runner has certainly paid off (jumping from 2.0-2.2 Average Separation in 2022-2023 to 3.1 so far in 2024), the biggest factor has been the return of Richardson at Quarterback. Richardson is much more willing to air out a deep throw than previous Colts QBs from 2022-2023. 2022: Matt Ryan | 4.3% of throws 20+ yards | Lowest % among 2022 qualifying QBs 2022: Sam Ehlinger | 12.9% of throws 20+ yards 2022: Nick Foles | 11.9% of throws 20+ yards | 28.4 Grade, Ranked 58th/60 QBs (min. 5 attempts) 2023: Gardner Minshew | 10.4% of throws 20+ yards | 26th Highest %/40 qualifying QBs 2023: Anthony Richardson | 9.5% of throws 20+ yards | 88.8 Grade, Ranked 15th/52 QBs (min. 8 attempts) 2024: Anthony Richardson | 18.9% of throws 20+ yards | 2nd Highest % among 2024 qualifying QBs Reggie Wayne first 2 seasons:– 76 rec– 1,061 rec yards– 13.96 YPR– 4 TDs– 2 Fumbles Alec Pierce first 2 seasons:– 73 rec– 1,107 rec yards– 15.2 YPR– 4 TDs– 1 fumble Very different players with different play styles & QB play level, but pretty similar production atp https://t.co/B26dc9xwkl pic.twitter.com/BxVWdTjLQ8 — Jay Robins mark (@RobinsLucas) January 16, 2024 For a Wide Receiver whose game is predicated on deep vertical routes, having 2024 Richardson is a breath of fresh air to use his skill set properly. Richardson has by far the greatest arm talent, ball velocity, and willingness to air it out deep of any QB Pierce has worked with in his professional career. Effortless. #INDvsGB | 9/15 on FOX pic.twitter.com/elzjLF1KNt — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 9, 2024 The question remains: Can Pierce sustain this breakout going forward? With Josh Downs returning in Week 3, Pierce might not be the WR2 in targets and go back to WR3 with Downs in a potentially higher volume slot role. He will still at times be spelled by rookie Adonai Mitchell, who has struggled to gain chemistry with Anthony Richardson and form consistency yet in his young pro career. Alec Pierce sighting! Big play Colts!#Colts#ForTheShoe#Rams#RamsHouse#LARvsIND pic.twitter.com/NbeuTS65uo — Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) October 1, 2023 But it’s clear that Pierce has become a lot more of a reliable threat with Richardson’s arm, so when called upon, his deep ball skills will be highly impactful. The Colts sadly haven’t been able to sustain drives with regularity in the last 2 games, with the lowest offensive plays per game in the NFL. If the Colts are able to sustain drives for longer with Josh Downs returning, then this should raise the overall volume for the entire offense. Downs himself is more likely to eat into the target share of Adonai Mitchell (who is less likely to be in 3 WR sets as the slot with Downs back) and Michael Pittman Jr., who’s 32% target share is likely unsustainable and generally is a short to intermediate depth target. Thus Pierce’s role as a boundary vertical threat with a more sustainable 5 targets a game so far is more secure. While I do think his efficiency won’t continue its torrid pace, Pierce’s deep threat and increasing viability in intermediate depths bodes well for him to make a big impact when targeted. His current target pace for the season is 85, a new career high, but even if he has his target amount in between his prior career numbers of 65 and 78, he could still have a career year with the Colts based on how more efficient his deep targets are.
Raiders-Panthers injury report: Divine Deablo ruled out
Divine Deablo | Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images But some key players will be on the field Sunday It appears the Las Vegas Raiders will be without starting linebacker Divine Deablo on Sunday when they host the Carolina Panthers at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is set at 1:05 p.m. PT. Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce said Friday that the fourth-year player will likely not be available for the game. He was ruled out later Friday. He was injured in the win at Baltimore on Sunday and has missed practice all week with an oblique injury and a concussion. Luke Masterson will likely take his spot in the lineup. He played three defensive snaps at Baltimore and had three tackles. Perhaps rookie, fifth-round pick, Tommy Eichenberg will get some defensive snaps. He played on special teams in his NFL debut against the Ravens. Rookie cornerback, fourth-round pick Decamarion Richardson, will also likely be out with a hamstring injury that prevented him from playing in the first two games. He is listed as doubtful to play Sunday. But there is some good injury news for the Silver and Black. Pierce said Friday, as expected, star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby, rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson and defensive end Tyree Wilson will all play Sunday. Crosby injured his ankle late in the win over Baltimore on Sunday and was limping heavily after the game. Crosby, who hasn’t missed a play this season, has never missed a game in his six-season career despite having several ailments. He practiced all week. Pierce called him “the ultimate warrior.” Crosby is listed as questionable on the injury report. Jackson Powers-Johnson will be make his NFL debut Sunday. The second-round draft pick from Oregon has missed the first two games after overcoming an illness. Powers-Johnson missed much of training camp as well as he was dealing with a concussion. The Raiders have used both, free-agent additions Cody Whitehair and Andrus Peat at left guard. There is a reasonable chance to think Powers-Johnson will play against the Panthers. Also, defensive end Tyree Wilson will be back Sunday after missing the Ravens’ game with a knee injury he suffered in the first half of a Week 1 loss to the Chargers. Wilson is listed as questionable on the injury report. Star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has been limited all week with a knee injury and he is questionable Sunday. #Raiders rule out Deablo. Crosby is listed as questionable (he’s playing). Wilson (he’s playing) and Wilkins (TBD) are also questionable. Richardson is doubtful. pic.twitter.com/uoi9uhpyzf — Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) September 20, 2024
Bills vs. Jaguars: Friday injury reports for both teams
Bills vs. Jaguars: Friday injury reports for both teams Bills vs. Jaguars: Friday injury reports for both teams Nick Wojton Here are the full injury reports for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars from Friday ahead of their Week 3 matchup at Highmark Stadium: Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) Did not practice TE Evan Engram (hamstring) Limited participation RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) S Darnell Savage (quad) OL Cam Robinson (knee) Full practice N/A Buffalo Bills (2-0) Did not practice LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral) CB Taron Johnson (forearm) Limited participation DE Dawuane Smoot (toe) DE Javon Solomon (oblique) Full practice QB Mitchell Trubisky (knee) DE Casey Toohill (knee) QB Josh Allen (left hand) TE Quintin Morris (shoulder) Notes: Toohill was upgraded from limited to full on Friday. … Robinson was added to the injury report on Friday.
Browns vs. Giants: Week 3 Need to Know
Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images Cleveland is back home and looking for consecutive wins. Will the Giants stand in their way? Here is everything you need to know about the game. The Cleveland Browns return home on Sunday as they host the New York Giants. Cleveland is coming off a road win against the Jacksonville Jaguars that saw the offense start strong with a touchdown on their first drive of the game, only to mostly stall out the rest of the way with five punts on six offensive drives in the second half. The Giants somehow managed to lose their Week 2 game despite scoring three touchdowns and keeping the Washington Commanders out of the end zone thanks to seven field goals from kicker Austin Seibert. It’s the Browns vs. the Giants in a series that dates back to 1950! Here is everything you need to know about the game. Game Info Records: Cleveland is 1-1. New York is 0-2. Kickoff: 1 p.m. Stadium: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland TV: FOX Announcers: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Megan Olivi (sideline reporter) Radio: 850 ESPN Cleveland, 92.3 The Fan WKRK, 98.5 WNCX, 89.1 FM La Mega (Español) Announcers: Andrew Siciliano, Nathan Zegura and Je’Rod Cherry (sideline reporter) Last meeting: The Browns won the last meeting, 20-6, in Week 16 of the 2020 season. First meeting: The Giants won the first meeting, 6-0, on October 1, 1950. All-time series: Cleveland leads the all-time regular-season series, 27-21-2. The Giants have won on three of their last four trips to Cleveland. Weather: 79 degrees and partly cloudy. Winds from the south at 6 MPH. (weather.com) Uniform: Browns will be kitted in their brown jerseys and white pants. running it back with the brown and white ⚪ pic.twitter.com/3shN4YI4ZF — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 20, 2024 Injury report: Browns – Out: Tight end David Njoku (ankle), running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring). Questionable: Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (knee), offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) Giants – Out: Cornerback Nick McCloud (knee). Questionable: Linebacker Brian Burns (groin), linebacker Darius Muasau (knee). The line: Browns -6.5 on the various betting apps. News and Notes The Browns have converted just 12 percent of their third downs through the first two weeks of the season, while the Giants are allowing opponents to convert at a 42 percent rate on third down. Cleveland leads the league in fourth-down conversions with a success rate of 75 percent. New York allows 163 rushing yards per game and is ranked at No. 27 against the run. Cleveland has been struggling to find consistency in the run game as they come into the weekend ranked No. 21 with 109 rushing yards per game and No. 16 with 4.5 yards per carry. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson has gone 14 consecutive games without throwing for 300-plus yards in a game, the longest streak of his career. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is ranked 20th in passing grade from Pro Football Focus and the site credits him with just “one big-time throw” out of his 70 pass attempts. New York rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is averaging 12.9 yards per reception and has 15 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown through the first two weeks of the season. This week’s game poster: the Giant Slayers coming soon to a field near you pic.twitter.com/KbjnS1mSaU — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 20, 2024 Cleveland’s offensive line allowed 16 pressures by the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, according to Pro Football Focus, resulting in the unit’s second-lowest pass-blocking rating since the beginning of the 2023 season. New York’s offensive line allowed seven pressures and quarterback Daniel Jones was sacked just once in their Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders. In Case You Missed It 4 tasks for the Browns on offense against the Giants Browns receivers getting good separation on routes Scouting the New York Giants with our Q&A with Big Blue View Browns vs. Giants: 2 from NY who could wreck shop, 1 who could stop Cleveland’s offense Browns injured OT may be back against the Giants. Unless they are not. NFL Picks for Week 3, and media picks for Giants vs. Browns Browns fans expecting a big win heading into Week 3 Browns place WR David Bell on IR Giants vs. Browns: 5 matchups to watch (Big Blue View) Scouting the Cleveland Browns with our Q&A with Dawgs By Nature (Big Blue View) A Final Quote Wide receiver Amari Cooper on his early season struggles (quote via team website): “You want to go out there and play your best brand of football individually as early as possible. So it definitely (has) been frustrating. It is what it is. You’ve got to go out there and just play your game, get back focused, lock back in, and that’s what I’m looking to do.” What are you looking for from the Browns in Sunday’s game against the Giants?
Statistical Breakdown: How Ravens and Cowboys stack up for Week 3
Total Offense Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Ravens: 417.5 1st Cowboys: 309.0 17th Rush Offense Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes by Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Ravens: 168.0 7th Cowboys: 85.0 25th Pass Offense Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to throw on the run during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Ravens: 249.5 4th Cowboys: 224.0 9th Points Per Game ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate a touchdown during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Ravens: 21.5 14th Cowboys: 26.0 7th 3rd-Down Off. % Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) runs with the ball as Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig (7) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Ravens: 40.0% 13th Cowboys: 37.0% 17th Red Zone Off. (TD%) Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Ravens: 42.9% 18th Cowboys: 25.0% 29th Total Defense BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Roquan Smith #0 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on from the field prior to the game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Ravens: 306.5 15th Cowboys: 331.0 19th Rush Defense Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports Ravens: 49.5 1st Cowboys: 141.5 20th Pass Defense ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Trevon Diggs #7 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Ravens: 257.0 32nd Cowboys: 189.5 16th Defensive Points Per Game Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Ravens: 26.5 28th Cowboys: 30.5 30th 3rd-Down Def. % Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) lies on top of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after a sack during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Ravens: 38.1% 20th Cowboys: 30.4% 10th
