Gordon hadn’t played since December 2014.
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As the first half was winding down, and the Browns had stumbled to a 27-3 deficit, they need something, anything, to give them a little hope. These guys can get it done, they’ve proven they can win in a variety of situations.
“I love the big plays, but I feel like we can’t be a team that just relies on big plays offensively”, Jackson said. The Bucs were 20th in points per game last season (21.4 points per game) and scored touchdowns on only 52.9 percent of its trips inside the red zone. “I think he’ll be fine”. I think what you see is a young football team that you’re going to see some of that [struggle], especially early until they get well grounded. He was able to make some big plays through the air.
Griffin completed 8 of 14 passes for 119 yards, one TD and no interceptions before being replaced by Josh McCown at the start of the third quarter.
-As Bucs rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo has struggled in his first two preseason games with three missed kicks, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said Tuesday that he’s made a concerted effort to encourage the second-round pick to remain confident and push through his current problems.
There have been few bright spots for the team in those three games, but wide receiver Josh Gordon gave fans something to look forward to during his return to National Football League action Friday night. We still have time to get it right, but that window of opportunity is closing.
So given that, it’s safe to say that Gordon isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “It’s just good to see him out there making plays”, Griffin said.
In last year’s 31-7 drubbing of the Buccaneers, the Browns defense notched six sacks, four of which dropped then-rookie quarterback and former Heisman Trophy victor Jameis Winston to the ground.
The connections with Gordon continued Griffin’s downfield success after a pair of long go routes to Terrelle Pryor in the first two games.
Via Cabot, former Browns CEO Joe Banner and former Browns G.M. Mike Lombardi wanted to do the deal, but others (including coach Rob Chudzinski) wanted to keep Gordon.
During the off season Winston worked hard to change what he called his “college body”, which looked a little flabby, aiming to get a muscular physique by shedding 20 pounds and putting himself in a position to take less hits and improve his durability.
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“That’s what we expect from our corners”, Jackson said. When the Browns did get some pressure, Winston calmly evaded the rush and made a play. Murray has kicked better in practice, which is why he was rewarded with the first kick against the Bucs.
