–Here’s what must happen for the Browns, 6-7-1, to make the playoffs: They have to beat the Bengals and Ravens in their last two games. The Dolphins have to lose their last two games. The Colts and Titans have to lose in Week 16. The Colts and Titans meet in Week 17. That game has to end in a tie. The Ravens have to lose to the Chargers in Week 16 and the Browns on Dec. 30.
–Cornerback Denzel Ward became the Browns first rookie to make the Pro Bowl since left tackle Joe Thomas in 2007 when he was named to the AFC team on Tuesday.
Four other Browns players also made the Pro Bowl as rookies – running back Jim Brown in 1957, wide receiver Paul Warfield in 1964, running back Greg Pruitt in 1973 and linebacker Chip Banks in 1983.
Ward, the fourth pick of the 2018 draft, has recorded three interceptions, 11 passes defensed, 48 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 12 games this season.
–Defensive end Myles Garrett also made the Pro Bowl. He is the Browns’ first defensive end awarded that honor since Rob Burnett in 1995.
“I’m honored to be selected to the Pro Bowl,” Garrett said. “I especially want to thank the fans for all the support that they show our team. Football is a team game and you can’t do it on your own. I’m happy to be able to share this experience with Denzel because this honor is really a testament to our entire defense.”
Garrett, the first pick of the 2017 draft, has 12.5 sacks. He needs two sacks in the final two games to break the team record of 14 sacks in a season set by Reggie Camp in 1984.
–The Browns are 4-2 under interim head coach Gregg Williams. He has won more often in six games than Hue Jackson (3-36-1), fired on Oct. 29, did in 40 games. Nevertheless, Williams will not campaign publicly to become the permanent head coach.
“I love what I do,” Williams said. “I really do. I love the fact that for my entire life I’ve had the opportunity at whatever level to be a captain, quarterback, pitcher, point guard – it doesn’t make any difference – to head coach, to assistant coach.
“When you’re the head of a department or when you’re the head of a position group, when you’re all of a sudden in charge, you have to be in charge. It ramps up at each level you go to. I’m not afraid of that.”
Williams was head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2003. They were 3-13 in 2001, 8-8 in 2002 and 6-10 in 2003. They were 8-8 under Wade Phillips in 2000.
BY THE NUMBERS: 23 – Passing touchdowns scored by the Browns through 14 games. They caught 15 in 16 games last season.
