Jackson says Kizer’s debut gives Browns ‘ hope’
DeShone Kizer didn’t deliver a victory in his NFL debut, but the rookie quarterback did bring something to the Cleveland Browns and their beleaguered fans.
“This young man gives us hope,” coach Hue Jackson said on Monday.
Cleveland, a quarterback wasteland for nearly two decades, might finally have found its man.
Shaking off a rough start — a three-and-out followed by a blocked punt for touchdown on his opening series against the Pittsburgh Steelers — Kizer showed presence and poise. He kept the Browns close enough to have a chance to win before falling 21-18.
Kizer completed 20 of 30 passes for 222 yards, threw a touchdown pass and pushed his way through a goal-line pile for another TD.
His first game had a few warts, as well, none bigger than his interception in the third quarter. But the 21-yearold recovered and threw a 3-yard dart to Corey Coleman on fourth down to pull the Browns within five before a two-point conversion made it 21-18.
“From my perspective, I thought he did a nice job in his first opportunity out there playing in the NFL,” Browns left tackle Joe Thomas said. “He showed composure. That is crucial for any NFL quarterback. I think the future is bright for DeShone.”
Kizer’s next challenge will be at Baltimore on Sunday. The Ravens just shut out veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals, forcing five turnovers and totaling five sacks.
Bradford leads way, Vikings thump Saints
Sam Bradford started his second season with Minnesota in style, passing for 346 yards and three touchdowns to help the Vikings beat New Orleans 29-19 on Monday night and spoil Adrian Peterson’s first game with the Saints.
Stefon Diggs had seven receptions for 93 yards, two for scores, and Adam Thielen racked up 157 yards on nine catches as Bradford carved up a Saints defense that looked again like one of the worst in the league despite a major renovation. Rookie Dalvin Cook rushed for 127 yards for Minnesota.
Peterson was an afterthought once the Saints fell behind. Drew Brees was quiet, too, with 291 yards and one TD on 27-of-37 passing, padded by a late push to catch up.
NFL back in court on Elliott suspension
The NFL moved quickly in hopes of reversing a federal judge’s decision that has blocked the league’s six-game suspension of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott over a domestic violence case in Ohio.
The league asked U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant in Frisco, Texas, who ruled in Elliott’s favor, to stop the preliminary injunction that cleared Elliott to play while the case is in court. A notice of appeal also was filed with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.
Texans’ QB not set for Bengals game
The Houston Texans’ quarterback situation remains unsettled with only three days remaining until they face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.
Coach Bill O’Brien benched Tom Savage for rookie Deshaun Watson at halftime of Houston’s 29-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
“Look, I haven’t even met with the players yet ... we’re going to do what’s best for the team,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien pulled Savage after he lost two fumbles — one was returned for a touchdown — and threw for just 62 yards as the Jaguars built a 19-0 lead by halftime. Watson led the Texans to their only touchdown on his first drive, but he lost a fumble and threw an interception after that.
Cardinals, Jaguars lose key players
The Arizona Cardinals lost much more than the game in their season opener at Detroit, as running back David Johnson suffered a dislocated wrist and likely will require surgery, coach Bruce Arians said. Arians said the injury occurred late in the third quarter when Johnson was hit hard after a catch at the Lions’ 3-yard line.
The Jaguars said that receiver Allen Robinson will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against the Texans. Robinson landed awkwardly on his left knee while making a catch in the first quarter.