New York’s eyes on prize
Giants take on Browns with both desperate for win to improve position
The Cleveland Browns are coming to the Meadowlands to face the New York Giants with one thing in mind: the playoffs. That’s it.
Kevin Stefanski’s team isn’t looking to rebound from an excruciating loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. Winning one for injured star receiver and former Giant Odell Beckham Jr. would be nice. There are more important things.
The goal Sunday night for the Browns (9-4) in their second straight prime-time appearance is to beat the Giants (5-8) and move another step closer to ending the NFL’S longest playoff drought. Cleveland has not been to the postseason since 2002. The finish line is in sight with three games left in the regular season.
The Giants are even more desperate in a bid for their first playoff berth since 2016. They had their four-game winning streak snapped by Arizona last weekend and fell a game behind
first-place Washington (6-7) in the NFC East.
“Every single game is the most important one,” said Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is playing his best football since coming into the league in 2018.
The Giants will go into the game without James Bradberry, their best cornerback. He had a close contact with an individual who tested positive, and was placed on the COVID-19 list on Thursday.
New York also comes into the game struggling on offense.
Starting quarterback Daniel Jones returned from a hamstring injury last week. He had
to leave late with two injuries, the hamstring and an ankle problem.
If he can’t play, Colt Mccoy will get his second start in three games. The issue was compounded when offensive coordinator Jason Garrett tested positive for COVID-19. Tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens will call the plays for New York.