New York Jets 31, Cleveland Browns 28
Here are the biggest takeaways and highest-graded players from the New York Jets' Week 8 31-28 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Quarterback grade: Ryan Fitzpatrick, 63.6
Rattled Fitzpatrick does enough for the win
Ryan Fitzpatrick took a huge hit early in the game, and it was surprising to see him finish the day. Fitzpatrick didn’t throw an interception, but had three passes batted in the air by Browns’ defenders, and three targets dropped by his receivers. Fitzpatrick was most effective when he targeted the middle of the field in the intermediate range (10-19 yards downfield), where he completed five of eight passes, including his only touchdown pass.
Top offensive grades:
G Brian Winters, 80.5
WR Brandon Marshall, 79.2
HB Matt Forte, 78.1
HB Bilal Powell, 75.1
T Ryan Clady, 73.1
Matt Forte helps grind out a win
Matt Forte showed he still has some left in the tank by rushing for two touchdowns as well as forcing four missed tackles, adding 63 yards after contact. Brandon Marshall caught four of his eight targets and had 22 yards after the catch. Brian Winters only allowed one hurry on his 39 pass-blocking snaps.
Top defensive grades:
S Calvin Pryor, 78.9
S Marcus Gilchrist, 77.0
DI Steve McLendon, 76.7
CB Darryl Roberts, 75.3
DI Jarvis Jenkins, 75.2
Calvon Pryor and Marcus Gilchrist lead Jets' defense
Calvin Pryor graded well in run support (71.9 run-defense grade) and in coverage (76.4 coverage grade), while Marcus Gilchrist had an interception and a 78.8 coverage grade. Steve McLendon was the Jets' most-effective pass-rusher and finished with one hit and one hurry on only 17 pass-rushing snaps. Darryl Roberts was thrown at four times, but only allowed one catch for 10 yards; he also broke up one pass, and Josh McCown’s QB rating when he was targeted was just 39.6.
Quarterback grade: Josh McCown, 43.4
McCown posts shaking outing in return from injury
Josh McCown threw two interceptions and did not handle pressure well against the Jets. McCown only completed 5 of 18 passes under pressure, with a 42.4 QB rating. The veteran even struggled with his short passes, as he was only able to complete 12 of 25 passes targeted between 0-9 yards downfield.
Top offensive grades:
T Joe Thomas, 81.1
G John Greco, 80.9
T Austin Paztor, 80.0
WR Terrelle Pryor, 79.1
TE Gary Barnidge, 78.9
Browns’ offensive line plays well in a loss
Several members of the Browns’ offensive line turned in good performances in pass protection. John Greco and Austin Paztor were both on the field for 57 pass-blocking snaps, and neither surrendered a single QB pressure. Joe Thomas only surrendered two QB hurries on 56 pass-blocking snaps. Terrelle Pryor saw a team-high 12 targets, with mixed results. Pryor dropped one pass, and one target was intercepted, but he did catch six throws and added 31 yards after the catch.
Top defensive grades:
CB Jamar Taylor, 88.3
DI Jamie Meder, 80.5
LB Demario Davis, 80.1
DI Danny Shelton, 77.9
ED Carl Nassib, 77.4
Danny Shelton continues an impressive sophomore season
Jamar Taylor recorded a game-high 88.5 coverage grade. Taylor was thrown at seven times, surrendering three receptions for 79 yards and breaking up another four passes. Danny Shelton had two run stops in addition to one sack and one hurry on his 25 pass-rushing snaps, and has been a markedly-improved player in his second season. Jamie Meder had four run stops and two QB hurries on 22 pass-rushing snaps. Carl Nassib was able to disrupt numerous plays with his length, batting down three passes.
PFF Game-Ball Winner: Matt Forte, RB, Jets
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