Chargers Stumble in Cleveland, Fall to Browns 33-20
CLEVELAND, OH (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers struggled to gain traction on the road, falling 33-20 to the Cleveland Browns in a game where both teams were led by backup quarterbacks. Despite a steady performance from Jacoby Brissett, the Chargers’ offense was stifled by Cleveland’s defense, held to just 202 total yards and limited success on third downs.
Cleveland’s backup quarterback, Jameis Winston, managed the game effectively, leaning on a balanced run game and quick passes to control the clock and keep the Chargers’ defense at bay. Each attempt by Los Angeles to close the gap was thwarted, and Cleveland built a comfortable margin through the second half.
Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik acknowledged the team’s struggles but expressed optimism with reinforcements on the horizon. “We just couldn’t get anything going on offense today. Cleveland’s defense was relentless, but we’ll have both Will [Levis] and Christian [McCaffrey] back next week, and that’s sure to be the spark we need.”
The return of the dynamic duo next week should provide the Chargers with the offensive firepower they’ve been missing, and Los Angeles, now 5-3, hopes to find its footing as they push toward the season’s halfway mark.
Texans Fall to Jets 32-24, But Bolster Defense with Key Acquisitions
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (AP) — The Houston Texans couldn’t overcome their offensive struggles and a banged-up defensive line, falling to the New York Jets 32-24 on Sunday. The Texans offense was nearly non-existent early on, failing to pick up a first down until just before halftime. Meanwhile, the Jets took advantage of Houston’s injury-weakened defensive front, relentlessly pounding the ground game behind Breece Hall, who racked up a massive 214 yards and two touchdowns.
Houston’s defense, usually the cornerstone of the team, struggled without key pieces, allowing the Jets to control the clock and tempo. Quarterback Drake Maye faced constant pressure as the Texans failed to find an offensive rhythm, extending their losing streak to three games.
Following the loss, however, Texans fans had reason to celebrate as reports emerged that GM TH had executed blockbuster trades for linebacker Micah Parsons and safety Budda Baker. The trades bring in elite talent and leadership, a much-needed boost to help the Texans recover from their recent slide.
“We’ve been hit hard by injuries, and we needed a spark,” GM TH commented. “Micah and Budda bring that. They’re game-changers, and we’re excited to see the impact they’ll have next week.”
With these two star defenders joining the lineup, Houston hopes to turn things around as they prepare to fight through the season’s second half.
Packers Edge Lions 26-24, Montgomery and Jefferson Lead the Way to Extend Division Lead
GREEN BAY, WI (AP) — In a tightly contested game at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers held off the Detroit Lions for a 26-24 victory, leaning on David Montgomery’s powerful running and Justin Jefferson’s clutch performance late in the game. Montgomery continued his stellar season, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone for Green Bay’s offense and extending his lead among the league’s top rushers.
With the game hanging in the balance, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found Jefferson for a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter, a reception that capped off Jefferson’s day with 87 yards on six catches. The Lions answered with a scoring drive of their own, pulling within two points, but the Packers relied on Montgomery and clock management to close out the game.
The win puts Green Bay (7-2) firmly in control of their division, building a substantial lead over the Lions, Bears, and Vikings as the season heads toward its midpoint. Head Coach Matt LaFleur praised his team’s resilience in the face of a strong Detroit push.
“David and Justin have been the anchors of our offense,” said LaFleur. “When the game’s on the line, those are the guys you can count on. They stepped up today in a big way, and it shows just how well we’re clicking as a team.”
With the Packers firing on all cylinders, they’ll look to carry this momentum and capitalize on their division lead heading into the back half of the season.
