CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns lost yet another player for the season and extended one of their draft picks Monday.
Here’s our top Brownie Bites from the eighth victory Monday of the season.
Another one gone – Right tackle Dawand Jones is the latest to be lost for the season after suffering a season ending knee injury during practice last Thursday head coach Kevin Stefanski announced. “I'm sad for Dawand,” right guard Wyatt Teller said. “I've been praying for him. It's definitely one of those things where it's just been a crazy season, but I've kind of said it all season, but we got a next man up mentality, and I truly believe in James [Hudson].” Jones, who took over for veteran Jack Conklin, will require surgery. Conklin underwent season-ending knee surgery in September. “I've seen Dawand make great strides on and off the field,” Stefanski said. “And I think we have a great room. That offensive line room, obviously, with the coaches, with the players. That's a room that is great for a young player to be in to see how you operate, how you prepare, how you work. And I thought he got better as the season went on. So disappointed for him. But he played well in a lot of these games and he's a young player that I think will just continue to get better.” The Browns have already lost returner Jakeem Grant, Conklin, running back Nick Chubb, linebacker Jacob Phillips, safety Rodney McLeod and quarterback Deshaun Watson for the season.
Delpit extended – Safety Grant Delpit signed a three-year contract extension the Browns announced. “Grant's a huge part of what we do,” Stefanski said. “What he brings to this team from a toughness, physicality standpoint, how he plays these games really fits who we are. So very, very excited for him, happy for him, happy for us. It's always reflective of who we are. When you do deals with guys like Grant, he's a quintessential pro. I think he's again very young. He's young. He's only going to get better.” The Browns selected Delpit in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft but a ruptured Achilles in training camp ended his rookie season. Since then, Delpit has become an integral part of the Browns defense. “To see Grant blossom into a disruptive, heat-seeking missile in the run game while maintaining the ability to match-up in man coverage has been particularly rewarding for our organization because of the adversity that defined his early career,” Browns EVP of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry said. “We’ve seen his work ethic and mental toughness in full force as he battled back from an Achilles tear as a rookie, and he’s done nothing but make up for lost time since. We are happy that Grant will be a member of our team for the foreseeable future.”Delpit has 80 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, an interception and three pass breakups through 13 games. “I’m excited to further my career in Cleveland,” Delpit said. “The city has shown me nothing but love since the day I was drafted. The Haslams, AB, all of my coaches and teammates, I can’t say enough good things about everyone and the environment since I’ve been here. I look forward to continuing this winning culture and showing the city of Cleveland the love back that they give me. It’s frustrating that the injury occurred yesterday, but I am doing everything in my power to get back as soon as possible to help the team win.”
Flacco freakout – National reporters have been pouncing on the fact the Joe Flacco reverted back to the Browns practice squad after Sunday’s win. “I'd say don't worry about it,” Stefanski said when asked about the plan to sign Flacco to the 53. After the game Stefanski said Flacco would be the starter going forward. So why should fans not be concerned another team could swoop in a lure Flacco out of Cleveland before the Browns sign hm officially to the 53? “Because it'll all work out. I wouldn't be hung up on this one,” Stefanski said. Flacco would have to agree to leave and all indications are that he is comfortable with the Browns and does not want to leave. In two games, Flacco has completed 55.1% of his passes for 565 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions in two games. “Guys, do we not remember last year when were up 13 points with a minute and 20 left and Joe Flacco beat us,” Teller said. “He is a great quarterback and his ability to learn the playbook. He's a true vet. His leadership, obviously he's throwing the ball well. We have receivers who are, I know that obviously with every new receiver, quarterback exchange or receptions and everything like that, it's going to be new. But starting to find that consistency, starting to find that ability to make big plays, which is something that we've been limited to…But being able to stick to the run and whenever we do need to pass and going forward on fourth down and not being afraid and trusting in the offensive line, I'm thankful.”
Playoff picture – If the playoffs were to begin next weekend, the Browns would be the No. 5 seed in the AFC as the top Wild Card slot holder and play in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are still leading the AFC South and are the current No. 4 seed.
Injury report – Aside from Jones being lost for the season, Stefanski said the team is awaiting word on Grant Delpit’s groin injury and Juan Thornhill’s calf injury.