INSIDER
Mayfield, Browns move closer to playoffs, top Giants 20-6
Read full article: Mayfield, Browns move closer to playoffs, top Giants 20-6Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates with teammate Austin Hooper (81) after they connect for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. โ Baker Mayfield led two 95-yard touchdown drives and the Cleveland Browns moved closer to ending their 17-year playoff drought with a 20-6 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night. Mayfield was sharp all night, helping the Browns (10-4) bounce back from a 47-42 loss to Baltimore last Monday night. The win got the Browns closer to clinching their first playoff spot since 2002, the NFLโs longest drought. New York's opening drive stalled at the 8 after McCoy's throw to Evan Engram fell incomplete in the end zone. It could've worked, too: Kicker Graham Gano was wide open in the end zone.
On edge: Browns' Garrett returns after NFL suspension
Read full article: On edge: Browns' Garrett returns after NFL suspensionThe Cleveland Browns' star defensive end can't undo his helmet-swinging attack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph last season or the six-game NFL suspension that ensued. The Browns, led by rookie coach Kevin Stefanski, open their season at Baltimore against defending league MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Garrett has claimed Rudolph used a racial slur to provoke him, a charge the QB has strongly denied. In the aftermath of his actions, Garrett was banned indefinitely and the Browns' defense struggled mightily without him. Through his behavior, Garrett let the Browns down, and the incident with Rudolph scarred the No.
Browns Richardson feels Steelers QB deserved punishment
Read full article: Browns Richardson feels Steelers QB deserved punishmentBrowns star defensive end Myles Garrett has not yet scheduled the appeal for his indefinite NFL suspension for striking Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph with a helmet. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)BEREA, OH Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson believes Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph deserved to be punished for his role in Myles Garrett striking him with a helmet. As the Browns returned to practice Monday without their best defensive player, Richardson said Rudolph should have been disciplined for grabbing Garretts face mask and scratching him. Richardson believes Garrett has a leg to stand on with his appeal. Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said the team will continue to support Garrett, who had a bad lapse in judgment.___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Ex-Browns receiver Antonio Callaway gets 10-game drug ban
Read full article: Ex-Browns receiver Antonio Callaway gets 10-game drug banFormer Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway has been suspended 10 games by the NFL for another violation of the leagues substance-abuse policy. The 22-year-old player was suspended four games earlier this season for a drug violation. The Browns ran out of patience with Callaway, who had legal troubles in college at Florida. Browns coach Freddie Kitchens benched Callaway for Sundays game against Buffalo after the receiver arrived late for the game. Despite his troubled past, Callaway was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round last year.
Rookie Seibert makes kicks, Browns down winless Lions 20-16
Read full article: Rookie Seibert makes kicks, Browns down winless Lions 20-16CLEVELAND - Once Austin Seibert straightened himself out, the Browns' kicking competition got on target. The Browns (3-1) are hoping to contend for a playoff spot this season and need a dependable kicker. Coach Freddie Kitchens would not commit to Seibert as his starter, and downplayed his second straight strong performance. "He's supposed to perform," said Kitchens, who earlier in the week said he would give Joseph all the kicks. Browns third-string QB Garrett Gilbert threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to running back Dontrell Hilliard in the first half.