Giants at Browns: Highlights, score and recap

The New York Giants beat the Cleveland Browns 27-13 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Week 12. Here are the highlights and key players from Sunday’s game.

Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. tore the Cleveland Browns defense apart, as the New York Giants ran up 296 total yards.

The Browns couldn’t match those efforts, despite a big day from quarterback Josh McCown. He threw for over 300 yards, but was also sacked six times and lost a fumble.

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul led the way for Big Blue’s defense. JPP helped himself to a pair of sacks and returned a fumble 43 yards for six.

Manning threw touchdowns in the second quarter, connecting with both Dwayne Harris and Beckham. A pair of field goals from Cody Parkey were all McCown and Co. could muster in response.

Pierre-Paul’s fumble return enlivened the game after a scoreless third quarter. This time the Browns response was more emphatic. Rookie receiver Corey Coleman reeled in a touchdown pass from McCown.

But Manning and Beckham weren’t done. They combined from four yards out to confirm New York’s eighth win and the Browns’ 12th-straight loss.

Highlights

Three Stars

1. Terrelle Pryor

He’s been one of the few bright spots of a dismal season, and Terrelle Pryor was at it again this week. The player who flopped as a quarterback continues to excel as a converted receiver.

Pryor burned the Giants secondary for six grabs and 131 yards. Few defensive backs can stay with his straight-line speed and sudden breaks.

Whatever else is wrong in Cleveland, the Browns boast a legitimate star at wide receiver.

2. Odell Beckham Jr.

Pryor is building a reputation at his new position. Beckham has already merited a rep’ as perhaps the most dominant wideout in football.

He caught six of Manning’s passes for 96 yards and a pair of scores this week. Those touchdowns gave Beckham a mark alongside the league’s best receiver, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Beckham is dominating at the right time as the Giants continue to build momentum down the stretch.

3. Jason Pierre-Paul

Remember when JPP was THE defensive end back in 2011? Inconsistent effort, injuries and fireworks have since conspired to make Pierre-Paul’s dominance a forlorn memory for the Giants.

Until now that is.

Two sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown show Pierre-Paul has regained his playmaking swagger. The Giants possess a dangerous defense when No. 90 is on song.

Next: NFL Week 12: Staff picks and predictions

Next Week

The Browns will be on a bye in Week 13. Meanwhile, the Giants will again be on the road against an AFC North side when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.