Fansided

2019 NFL Power Rankings: Dolphins stun Patriots

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 16
Next
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Ryquell Armstead #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a pass for a touchdown from Gardner Minshew II #15 during the third quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field on December 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Ryquell Armstead #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a pass for a touchdown from Gardner Minshew II #15 during the third quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field on December 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

52. . 6-10. Previous: . Jacksonville Jaguars. 26. team

Recap: The Jaguars were hoping to end the season on a positive note and avoid a second consecutive 5-11 finish as they hosted the Indianapolis Colts. Things didn’t look good early as Doug Marrone’s team was down 20-13 late in the second quarter. But then the floodgates opened up for Gardner Minshew and company. The rookie signal-caller threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns (1 interception) on a day where the team ran for only 67 yards without Leonard Fournette. The Jacksonville defense also got into the act in terms of reaching the end zone as Calais Campbell picked up a Jacoby Brissett fumble early in the fourth quarter and took it into the end zone.

Draft Talk: Thanks to the midseason deal that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams, the Jaguars have a pair of first-round selections within the Top 20 picks. The real issue of concern is a once-talented defensive unit that has steadily declined the last few years and one that has struggled to stop the run for far too long.

Offseason Priorities: General manager David Caldwell has a decision to make regarding the quarterback situation as Foles was a disappointment in numerous aspects while still-learning Gardner Minshew provided his share of highlights. And what does the future hold for Marrone? There was speculation that he could be out very soon.

Previous: . Cleveland Browns. 25. team. 53. . 6-10

Recap: In the midst of the 12th consecutive losing campaign, the Browns made the short trip to Cincinnati looking to sweep the Bengals for the second straight season. The club got off to a great start when Baker Mayfield hit Damion Ratley for a 46-yard scored less than two minutes into the game. But Cleveland would soon trail, 20-7, in the second quarter and their shaky defense surrendered 179 yards on the ground to a Cincinnati team that entered the game 28th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Mayfield was sacked six times and served up three more interceptions. The disappointing Browns finished the season with 10-plus losses for the 16th time since 1999.

Draft Talk: For the second year in a row, the Browns will be picking somewhere in the middle of the first round in terms of their own selection. The team does have an extra third-round pick at its disposal. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s offensive line was a disappointment and the club could also use some help on the interior of the defensive front.

Offseason Priorities: Freddie Kitchens was the franchise’s 11th different head coach since returning to the league in 1999. But he won’t be back for a second season, per multiple reports on Sunday – including Ian Rapoport. The Browns have only seven potential UFAs, but linebacker Joe Schobert and safety Damarious Randall head the list.

Next: Nos. 24 and 23

Home/NFL Power Rankings