The Cleveland Browns beat the New York Jets in the first ever Monday Night Football game. The Browns have now beaten the Jets in game number 781 of Monday Night Football.
Odell Beckham put on a show in his first game back at MetLife Stadium in a uniform not of the New York Giants. Baker Mayfield extends his consecutive starts with a touchdown pass. Freddie Kitchens earns his first victory as an NFL head coach. Cleveland dominates the Jets 23-3.
WHAT. 😱@bakermayfield ➡️ @obj pic.twitter.com/Yha7OMjoUd
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 17, 2019
Beckham started his return to New York with another amazing one handed catch on the Browns opening drive. It may not have been as memorable as the one he made in his rookie season with the Giants. That catch sent an early message that Beckham is going to have a big game.
Beckham made headlines leading up to Monday’s game that were critical of Jets defensive coordinator and former Browns interim head coach Gregg Williams. When you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. Beckham did just that.
89.
Yards.@bakermayfield to @obj for six! pic.twitter.com/OahySJgIG0— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 17, 2019
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The Browns key offensive acquisition hauled in six catches for 161 yards. Beckham also recorded a career long 89-yard touchdown in the third quarter that put the game away. Facing their worst starting position of the game, Mayfield hit Beckham right down the middle of the field. Odell did the rest with his speed, 89 yards to the end zone.
The Browns scored on their first two possessions of the game. Austin Siebert would connect on field goals of 23 and 48-yards. Browns lead 6-0 after the first quarter.
Nick Chubb scored the other Browns touchdown on the night. A 19-yard run in the second quarter. The touchdown run also was the second year running back’s longest run of the game. Chubb had 62 yards on 18 carries.
Mayfield had a so-so game. He threw for 325 yards but was only 19 for 35 with an interception. Baker was also sacked three times.
The defense completely overpowered the Jets. Myles Garrett recorded three of the teams four sacks on New York quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Luke Falk. The Browns defense held the Jets to negative yards passing until midway through the third quarter.
Cleveland was better in terms of penalties. After committing 18 fouls in week one, the Browns cut that number in half. Cleveland had nine penalties for 85-yards.
One significant injury to report. Tight end David Njoku left the game in the first quarter. Njoku landed on his head after being airborne trying to haul in a Mayfield pass. Njoku was checked out for a concussion. He did not return.
Cleveland improves to 1-1. The Browns will be in the primetime spotlight again in week three. The Los Angeles Rams visit FirstEnergy Stadium for Sunday Night Football. The last time the Browns appeared on Sunday Night Football was 2008. Cleveland’s last victory on Monday Night Football also took place in 2008.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
