The job of Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson is safe for now despite their winless record. Before the Browns-Minnesota Vikings showdown in London, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider said that a source told him that Jackson’s job is safe and firing him will not be an option at this point. Rapoport said changes are expected to come at the end of the season but they are not expected to involve Jackson. However, Rapoport clarified that the Browns’ plans may change, depending on the outcome of their final nine games. Jackson now has a 1-23 coaching record with the Browns after a 33-16 loss to the Vikings at Twickenham Stadium.
The Browns hired Jackson last season as the replacement to Mike Pettine.
Keenum leads Vikings past Browns
In his third straight start, backup quarterback Case Keenum completed 27-of-43 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns and an interception to carry the Vikings to their fourth straight win, improving to an NFC North-best 6-2 record. Jerick McKinnon carried the ball 14 times for 50 yards and a score and caught six passes for 72 yards. Adam Thielen caught five passes for 98 yards and a touchdown while Kyle Rudolph was the recipient of Keenum’s other scoring strike. Kai Forbath made four field goals, with the longest coming at 51 yards.
Rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer completed 18-of-34 passes for 179 yards with no touchdown and interceptions and ran five times for 18 yards and a score for the Browns, who dropped to 0-8.
Isaiah Crowell carried the ball 11 times for 64 yards and a touchdown and was also the team’s leading receiver with four catches for 54 yards.
Vikings to make QB decision
According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer will make a decision on their quarterback situation before the end of their bye week or on November 6.
In six starts as the replacement for the injured Sam Bradford, Keenum has led the Vikings to four wins. During that span, Keenum completed 149 of his 233 passes for 1,610 yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions.
However, former starter Teddy Bridgewater has been cleared for practice and the team has until November 6 to activate him off the physically unable to perform list and move him to the 53-man regular roster.
The Vikings can also stick with Keenum and put Bridgewater on IR for the remainder of the year. Zimmer said he will evaluate everything after two days of practice next week and make a decision on whether to activate Bridgewater or not.
