Browns’ Jackson not pointing fingers, will ‘help’ offense

Hue Jackson only wants to help.

A day after Cleveland's embattled coach strongly suggested he might take control of his team's sputtering offense following an overtime loss at Tampa Bay, Jackson said he was merely offering assistance to coordinator Todd Haley and that he has no intention of calling plays.

Jackson explained he wasn't criticizing Haley or any of his assistants and that his remarks were rooted in his passion to win.

Jackson said he spoke with Haley and that he plans to "infuse" himself into Cleveland's offense.

"Obviously, somebody has to lead it and that is Todd's job," Jackson said. "But at the same time, if I see something where I can help and help us be a little bit better, I think that is my job, as well."

As for his principal job, Jackson believes he still has the support of owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam despite his 3-35-1 record and the Browns' (2-4-1) inability to win tight games.

"No question," Jackson said of the Haslams' backing.

Why so confident, coach? "Conversations," he said without offering specifics.

Coach says Cardinals will not trade Patrick Peterson

Embattled first-year coach Steve Wilks emphatically said the Arizona Cardinals are not going to trade star cornerback

Patrick Peterson.

Wilks' comment Monday came moments after a report via Twitter that said Peterson had asked the Cardinals to trade him by the Oct. 30 deadline.

The tweet by ESPN's

Adam Schefter was posted after Peterson, a three-time All-Pro selection, had left the Arizona locker room following Monday's practice.

Wilks said he planned to talk with Peterson about the situation.

Bills QB Anderson to start vs. Patriots; Allen ruled out

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott says rookie quarterback Josh Allen will miss his second game due to a sprained elbow and newcomer Derek Anderson will start against the New England Patriots next week.

McDermott continues to list Allen as week to week after he hurt his right throwing arm in a 20-13 loss to Houston on Oct. 14.

Anderson will start despite showing plenty signs of rust in throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble in a 37-5 loss at Indianapolis on Sunday. It was Anderson's first start in nearly two years, and after being lured out of semiretirement to sign with Buffalo on Oct. 9.

Jaguars sticking with Bortles as starting QB

The Jacksonville Jaguars are sticking with Blake Bortles as the team's starting quarterback.

Coach Doug Marrone made the announcement Monday, one day after benching Bortles early in the third quarter of a 20-7 loss to Houston.

Bortles fumbled on Jacksonville's (3-4) third play in each half, leading to 10 points for the Texans and prompting Marrone to switch to Cody Kessler. Marrone said after the game he would open up the QB job for the second time in as many years. Marrone also benched Bortles in the 2017 preseason, only to give him back the job nine days later.

Marrone took even less time to go back to Bortles this time around, saying he will start Sunday's game against Philadelphia (3-4) in London.