The Browns defense got a big boost Sunday with the return of Myles Garrett and could be positioned for another one next week in Houston.
Pro Bowl linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. is out of the league's concussion protocol and is poised to return to practice Wednesday, coach Hue Jackson said. Collins has missed the past three games after suffering a concussion late in the action Week 2 against the Ravens.
Collins has 11 tackles and a forced fumble so far this season. He had 69 tackles in eight games with the Browns after being traded by the Patriots.
"He is one of the best players I have ever had a chance to coach," defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said. "There are so many things, and again, take this the right way, from a statistical standpoint, you have no idea all the things disruption standpoint that he does. All of the communication things that he does. All of the violent contact things that he does when he knocks the ball to somebody else to make a play.
"He has played lights out. He really has. The flexibility of his skillset allows us to do so many different things."
-- Jackson reiterated the Browns are "going to look at everything" when it comes to kicker in the wake of rookie Zane Gonzalez missing two field goals against the Jets.
Gonzalez missed attempts in the first half from 52 and 39 yards. He's missed three in a row after making his first two. Jackson said Gonzalez's misfires in the first half played a part -- but wasn't the sole reason -- in the team's decision to go for it on fourth down inside the 5-yard line during the fourth quarter.
"Gonzo knows he has to make those kicks, there is no question about that," Jackson said. "He has an accountability to his teammates. We stick him out there, we think he can make them, so he needs to go make them."
-- Jackson said he wouldn't hesitate to make the same decision on fourth down that led to a crucial turning point in Sunday's game.
Trailing 10-7 early in the fourth quarter, Cleveland ran the ball on fourth-and-1 from the Jets' 5-yard line. Isaiah Crowell came up just short of the first down, and the Jets took over on downs. They promptly drove 97 yards to take a commanding 10-point lead.
Jackson initially sent out the field goal team to attempt to tie the score. After a timeout, he had a change of heart.
"We are here to win," Jackson said. "We are at this game trying to win the game, so Hue, if that is what you are selling to your players and they want to go get this thing, then let's go win the game.' OK, now we have to go make it. That is not what we did. That is going to be talked about for a while. I get it, but that is OK."
-- Jackson said he envisioned Garrett was "a little sore" Monday after playing in his first NFL game but was encouraged by the rookie's immediate impact.
Garrett collected two sacks in his 19 snaps. He was used in a limited capacity because of soreness from the high ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for the first month of the season.
Jackson said Garrett will see his snapload increase with each passing week.
"He gave us some juice and gave us a lift," Jackson said. "He was a part of the defense that I thought played well. We have to continue to get him to that next level where he can play longer."
