Watch live on Sky Sports Action on Thursday night
Friday 21 September 2018 05:45, UK
The New York Jets head to Cleveland to face the Browns on Thursday night, exclusively live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event from 12.30am. Here's what you can expect...
New York shocked the NFL in Week One by stomping the Detroit Lions 48-17, with rookie quarterback Sam Darnold tossing two touchdowns and completing over 75 per cent of his passes. They crashed back down to earth in a home defeat to their AFC East rival Miami Dolphins. They do, however, have a top-five defense through two weeks.
For two straight weeks Cleveland have blown the chance to win and finally end a losing streak that dates back to December, 2016. In Week One, it was a blocked field goal in overtime. Last Sunday, it was two missed extra points and a game-tying field goal attempt that sailed right. Kicker Zane Gonzalez was promptly shipped out of town. Also this week, the Browns finally gave up on troubled receiver Josh Gordon, trading him to the New England Patriots.
The Jets have won their last five games against Cleveland.
Darnold, who in Week One became the youngest QB to start a season-opening game in the Super Bowl era, became the youngest player in NFL history (21 years and 103 days old) to pass for 300 yards in a game during his outing against the Dolphins.
Browns running back Carlos Hyde had a career-high 200 total yards in his only meeting with the Jets (in 2016) - 193 of them came on the ground.
Jets offensive line versus Browns defensive line: For the first time in what feels like forever, Cleveland have a formidable pass rush. They have recorded seven sacks so far on the season (fifth in the league) and as a defense, have developed a knack for taking the ball away. Their eight total takeaways (five forced fumbles and three interceptions) lead the league.
The line is led by last year's No 1 overall draft pick Myles Garrett, who had seven sacks in nine starts as a rookie, and has managed two from two so far this year. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi is earning a lot of attention for his performances so far. They'll go from facing two strong playoff teams to one that has not made the postseason in eight years - and will be fired up.
Darnold definitely leads the way for the Jets, but watch out for the return of running back Isaiah Crowell to Cleveland. He had over 3,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in four years as a Brown before leaving in free agency this summer. On defense, New York are developing some stars - particularly linebacker Darron Lee and safety Jamal Adams.
Cleveland really do have the makings of a good team. QB Tyrod Taylor has electrifying scrambling ability, receiver Jarvis Landry is an All-Pro talent. Along with Garrett and Ogunjobi on defense, the secondary has special ability. Fourth overall pick this season, Denzel Ward, had two interceptions in his NFL debut.
Jets safety Marcus Maye has missed the last two games and is doubtful again. Linebacker Josh Martin is out with a concussion.
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah will miss the contest for Cleveland, and linebacker Christian Kirksey is doubtful. Landry, Ward, and Damarious Randall are all question marks after a short week.
Watch the Cleveland Browns host the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Action from 12.30am on Friday morning.
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