Wynn, Henry and Uche to miss regular season finale, potentially the playoffs
New England Patriots left tackle Isaiah Wynn, tight end Hunter Henry and linebacker Josh Uche have all been ruled out for New England's regular season finale against the New York Jets.
All three suffered upper body injuries in the team's win over Buffalo last week that could potentially keep them out of New England's likely wild card playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers or the Baltimore Ravens.
Wynn's injury is perhaps the most worrisome of the bunch as he still has three more years left on his $72.7 million extension after this season and has been unable to stay healthy. The former first round pick has never played an entire season, missing two games last season and eight this season. When on the field, he's far and away New England's best and most reliable offensive linemen but availability is the best ability.
Justin Herron finished the game last week in Wynn's place although Herron's struggles in the past could lead New England to look at other combinations on the offensive line, most notably moving Michael Onwenu from left guard to right tackle and sliding right tackle Trent Brown back to left tackle, a position he's played before.
At tight end, Henry's absence will be felt but New England is in capable hands in Jonnu Smith (57 rec, 852 yds, 6 TD) and rookie Darnell Washington (21 rec, 232 yds, 7 TD). For Uche, his replacement is likely a combination of Ronnie Perkins and Shaq Quarterman who traditionally plays inside linebacker but has a similar athletic profile as Uche.
It remains to be seen if New England decides to pull their starters early against the Jets as New England is currently the third seed and cannot improve their position. However, with a loss and a Houston win, New England could end the day as the fourth seed.
Individual milestones are also on the line with Damien Harris needing 118 rushing yards to reach 1,000-yards on the season. Jonnu Smith and Charleston Rambo also have an outside shot at 1,000-yards receiving, needing 143 and 153 yards respectively. On defense, Dont'a Hightower is half a sack away from ten sacks on the season while Christian Barmore needs one more and two more for Quinnen Williams.
Injuries
NYJ WR Jamison Crowder (shoulder)
-----------
NE LT Isaiah Wynn (hip)
NE TE Hunter Henry (shoulder)
NE EDGE Matthew Judon (shoulder)
NE EDGE Josh Uche (ribs)
NE EDGE DeAngeo Malone (foot)
NE S Leon O'Neal Jr. (shoulder)
Pats easily take care of Jets in season finale to secure No. 3 seed
Despite not having anything to play for, the New York Jets were competing and giving New England a tough challenge as they tried to leave East Rutherford healthy and with the AFC's number three seed.
After getting the ball out of their own endzone thanks to three straight plays by Marlon Mack to make it 1st and 10 from the the Jets' 14-yard line with 1:27 left in the game, everything unraveled for the Jets.
Zach Wilson would be sacked for a safety to extend the Patriots' lead to nine points and after the ensuing kickoff went out of bounds, it gave New England the ball on the 50-yard line and two plays later, former Jets receiver Braxton Berrios took it 31-yards for the touchdown and that was all she wrote as New England cruised to a 40-17 victory over the Jets on Sunday.
New England rested its starters in the second half with Matt Ryan filling in for Mac Jones and throwing for 104 yards and two touchdowns, completing all but one of his nine pass attempts.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[NE] Q. Nordin, 30 Yd FG (5:43)
[NYJ] A. Szmyt, 32 Yd FG (1:16)
Quarter 2
[NE] B. Berrios 9 Yd pass from M. Jones (5:21)
[NE] Team Safety (1:14)
[NE] B. Berrios 31 Yd pass from M. Jones (0:58)
Quarter 3
[NE] D. Washington 4 Yd pass from M. Ryan (6:59)
[NYJ] C. Davis 10 Yd pass from Z. Wilson -- 2pt failed (1:26)
Quarter 4
[NE] J. Johnson 42 Yd pass from M. Ryan (13:32)
[NYJ] J. Johnson 1 Yd pass from Z. Wilson -- 2pt (2:56)
[NE] D. Harris, 1 Yd run (1:49)
---------------------------------------------------------------- New England Patriots
QB Mac Jones: 8 of 12, 140 yards, 2 touchdowns.
QB Matt Ryan: 8 of 9, 104 yards, 2 touchdowns, sacked once.
HB Damien Harris: 23 carries, 80 yards, touchdown.
HB Rhamondre Stevenson: 12 carries, 78 yards.
HB Kenny McIntosh: 16 carries, 69 yards, 3 receptions, 20 yards.
TE Darnell Washington: 4 receptions, 45 yards, touchdown.
WR Charleston Rambo: 2 receptions, 68 yards.
WR Braxton Berrios: 2 receptions, 40 yards, 2 touchdowns.
WR Josh Johnson: 1 reception, 42 yards, touchdown.
CB J.C. Jackson: 12 tackles, tackle for loss (71.6 PFF grade)
CB Roger McCreary: 7 tackles (46.1 PFF grade)
ILB Trez Marshall: 7 tackles, tackle for loss (82.8 PFF grade)
IDL Quinnen Williams: 5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks (100.0 PFF grade)
IDL Deatrich Wise Jr: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, sack (76.9 PFF grade)
IDL Dean Lowry: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, sack (69.4 PFF grade)
EDGE Aaron Lynch: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, sack (77.7 PFF grade)
CB Parry Nickerson: Interception (100.0 PFF grade)
New York Jets
QB Zach Wilson: 27 of 41, 364 yards, 2 touchdowns, interception, sacked 5 times.
HB Marlon Mack: 17 carries, 69 yards, 6 receptions, 70 yards.
WR Chris Godwin: 7 receptions, 98 yards.
WR Elijah Moore: 5 receptions, 75 yards.
WR Corey Davis: 4 receptions, 79 yards, touchdown.
TE Rob Gronkowski: 2 receptions, 16 yards.
LB Khrys Barnes: 13 tackles, 5 tackles for loss.
DT Fletcher Cox: 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
DE Carl Lawson: 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
Week 18 NFL Results
GB 35 - CAR 23 | ATL 28 - TEN 14 | MIN 38 - DET 24 | CLE 34 - JAX 27
DEN 28 - BUF 24 | SF 21 - BAL 17 | NYG 35 - ARI 17 | LAR 24 - SEA 20
CIN 45 - PIT 38 | NY 40 - NYJ 17 | IND 31 - HOU 28 | NO 31 - TB 20
LAC 42 - CHI 28 | PHI 19 - WAS 7 | KC 27 - LV 17 | DAL 42 - MIA 35
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- NFL Standings AFC North
1. Pittsburgh, 13-4 y
2. Cincinnati, 12-5 x
3. Cleveland, 10-7 x
4. Baltimore, 9-8
AFC South
1. Houston, 10-7 y
2. Tennessee, 9-8
3. Indianapolis, 5-12
4. Jacksonville, 4-13
AFC East
1. New England, 11-6 y
2. Miami, 8-9
3. NY Jets, 6-11
4. Buffalo, 5-12
AFC West
1. Kansas City, 13-4 z
2. LA Chargers, 10-7 x
3. Denver, 6-11
4. Las Vegas, 6-11
NFC North
1. Minnesota, 10-7 y
2. Green Bay, 9-8
3. Detroit, 6-11
4. Chicago, 5-12
NFC South
1. Carolina, 12-5 y
2. Tampa, 9-8 x
3. New Orleans, 6-11
4. Atlanta, 4-13
NFC East
1. Philadelphia, 13-4 z
2. Washington, 11-6 x
3. Dallas, 11-6 x
4. NY Giants, 6-11
NFC West
1. San Francisco, 11-6 y
2. LA Rams, 9-8
3. Arizona, 8-9
4. Seattle, 5-12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- NFL Wild Card Schedule
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) at Carolina Panthers (12-5)
Cleveland Browns (10-7) at New England Patriots (11-6)
Dallas Cowboys (11-6) at San Francisco 49ers (11-6)
Cincinnati Bengals (12-5) at Houston Texans (10-7)
Washington Commanders (11-6) at Minnesota Vikings (10-7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Deshaun Watson (MIA): 40 of 48, 471 yards, 4 touchdowns.
LB Anthony Walker Jr. (CLE): 9 tackles, interception.
QB Daniel Jones (NYG): 22 of 34, 301 yards, 5 touchdowns.
S Jaquiski Tartt (PHI): 7 tackles, interception.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- League Leader Passing
1. QB Mac Jones (NE): 61 cmp%, 5184 yds, 35 TD
2. QB Deshaun Watson (MIA): 64 cmp%, 4902 yds, 31 TD
3. QB Patrick Mahomes (KC): 67 cmp%, 4833 yds, 43 TD Rushing
1. HB Nick Chubb (CLE): 326 carries, 1989 yds, 17 TD
2. HB Alvin Kamara (NO): 281 carries, 1715 yds, 13 TD
3. HB Derrick Henry (TEN): 312 carries, 1668 yds, 13 TD Receiving
1. WR Michael Thomas (NO): 109 receptions, 1437 yds, 9 TD
2. WR Justin Jefferson (MIN): 108 receptions, 1682 yds, 11 TD
3. WR Richie James Jr. (SEA): 106 receptions, 1500 yds, 8 TD Sacks
1. DE Myles Garrett (CLE): 25.0 sacks
2. OLB T.J. Watt (PIT): 18.0 sacks
3. DT DeForest Buckner (IND): 17.0 sacks Interceptions
1. LB Isaiah Simmons (ARI): 6 interceptions
T-2. CB Mike Hilton (CIN): 5 interceptions
T-2. CB Casey Hayward Jr. (MIN): 5 interceptions
T-2. CB Jaire Alexander (NE): 5 interceptions
T-2. CB Marlon Humphrey (BAL): 5 interceptions
T-2. CB Desmond King II (HOU): 5 interceptions Tackles
1. LB Matt Milano (BUF): 156 tackles
2. LB Jerome Baker (MIA): 154 tackles
3. LB Logan Wilson (CIN): 147 tackles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Injuries
HB James Conner (ARI): Season (knee)
TE Austin Hooper (CLE): Out (wrist)
DE Jadeveon Clowney (CLE): Out (shoulder)
WR Amari Cooper (DAL): Out (shoulder)
CB Blessuan Austin (LAC): Season (ankle)
HB Nakia Watson (MIN): Out (ankle)
DT DeMarvin Leal (PHI): Out (knee)
WR Diontae Johnson (PIT): Season (collarbone)
HB Antonio Gibson (WAS): Season (knee)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Transactions
Chicago Bears fire head coach Matt Nagy
Indianapolis Colts fire head coach Frank Reich
Atlanta Falcons fire head coach Mike Tomlin
Jacksonville Jaguars fire head coach Urban Meyer
Seattle Seahawks fire head coach Emanuel Ortega
Denver Broncos fire head coach Vic Fangio
Buffalo Bills fire head coach Sean McDermott
Injuries
CLE DE Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder)
CLE TE Austin Hooper (quad)
----------
NE LT Isaiah Wynn (hip)
NE TE Hunter Henry (shoulder)
NE EDGE Matthew Judon (shoulder)
NE EDGE Josh Uche (ribs)
NE EDGE DeAngeo Malone (foot)
NE WR Jakobi Meyers (abdominal)
Chubb, Garrett non-factors in Browns playoff loss to Pats
There was a bit of uneasiness that was creeping into Gillette Stadium as New England, despite seemingly dominating the game at the line of scrimmage, trailed the Cleveland Browns 3-0 entering the second quarter after a missed field goal by Quinn Nordin.
New England's offense remained committed to the evident game plan of running the football, specifically behind left tackle Trent Brown and away from Myles Garrett. Following a ten-play drive that put points on the board for the first time midway through the second quarter, New England's offense got going, scoring touchdowns on their next three possessions to beat Cleveland 28-10 and advance to the AFC Divisional Round.
The Patriots avenged their 24-21 loss to the Browns last season in the divisional round where Nick Chubb rushed for 122 yards and the Patriots offense crumbled away their chances late in the game with Jakobi Meyers' fumble and Mac Jones' interception to seal the loss.
This time around, the NFL's rushing champion was held to just twenty yards on thirteen carries and rendered a non-factor in the second half. The Patriots managed to get it done with an antiquated style of football, fielding big linebackers such as Dont'a Hightower and Ja'Whaun Bentley up the field along with big bodies up front in Dean Lowry, Christian Barmore, Quinnen Williams and Davon Godcheaux.
New England also neutralized Myles Garrett, who led the NFL in sacks this season with 25. Garrett finished the game with just three tackles and one tackle for loss with no quarterback hurries or hit as right tackle Michael Onwenu dominated the matchup.
In his first playoff start, C.J. Stroud threw for 402 yards and a touchdown with most of it coming in the second half as Cleveland ditched the running game, throwing the ball 52 times with Stroud being sacked an additional eight times.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[CLE] B. McManus, 28 Yd FG (11:02)
Quarter 2
[NE] D. Harris, 4 Yd run (9:24)
[NE] R. Stevenson, 5 Yd run (3:35)
Quarter 3
[NE] D. Harris, 1 Yd run (9:56)
[NE] K. McIntosh 16 Yd pass from M. Jones (1:23)
Quarter 4
[CLE] J. Landry 10 Yd pass from C. Stroud (0:21)
---------------------------------------------------------------- Cleveland Browns
QB C.J. Stroud: 33 of 52, 402 yards, touchdown, sacked 8 times, fumble (lost).
HB Nick Chubb: 13 carries, 20 yards, 6 receptions, 68 yards.
WR Rashard Higgins: 7 receptions, 127 yards.
WR Donovan People-Jones: 5 receptions, 74 yards.
TE David Njoku: 5 receptions, 30 yards.
WR Jarvis Landry: 4 receptions, 60 yards, touchdown.
LB Anthony Walker Jr: 17 tackles, 4 tackles for loss.
S John Johnson III: 11 tackles.
LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: 9 tackles, tackle for loss.
EDGE Lonnie Phelps: 4 tackles, tackle for loss.
EDGE Myles Garrett: 3 tackles, tackle for loss.
New England Patriots
QB Mac Jones: 12 of 18, 214 yards, touchdown.
HB Kenny McIntosh: 19 carries, 86 yards, 4 receptions, 53 yards, touchdown.
HB Damien Harris: 13 carries, 80 yards, 2 touchdowns.
HB Rhamondre Stevenson: 10 carries, 30 yards, touchdown.
TE Jonnu Smith: 3 receptions, 66 yards.
TE Darnell Washington: 2 receptions, 40 yards.
WR Parris Campbell: 1 reception, 32 yards.
WR Charleston Rambo: 1 reception, 18 yards.
LB Dont'a Hightower: 9 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks (84.8 PFF grade)
LB Trez Marshall: 8 tackles, tackle for loss (77.3 PFF grade)
EDGE Ronnie Perkins: 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack (92.4 PFF grade)
IDL Dean Lowry: 2 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 sacks (96.1 PFF grade)
IDL Quinnen Williams: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, sack (75.3 PFF grade)
IDL Christian Barmore: 1 tackle, tackle for loss (74.7 PFF grade)
NFL Wild Card Results
DAL 43 - SF 42 | CIN 30 - HOU 24 | MIN 24 - WAS 21
LAC 38 - PIT 35 | CAR 37 - TB 31 | NE 28 - CLE 10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- NFL Divisional Round Schedule
Los Angeles Chargers (11-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)
Dallas Cowboys (12-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (13-4)
Cincinnati Bengals (13-5) at New England Patriots (12-6)
Minnesota Vikings (11-7) at Carolina Panthers (13-5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Justin Herbert (LAC): 23 of 35, 257 yards, 4 touchdowns.
LB Dont'a Hightower (NE): 9 tackles, 4 sacks.
QB Sam Darnold (CAR): 26 of 51, 284 yards, 5 touchdowns.
LB Fred Warner (SF): 12 tackles, 2 interceptions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Transactions
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians retired
