BMac steps up again

Browns cornerback Brandon McDonald continued to shine Sunday as fellow rookie Eric Wright was sidelined for the third consecutive week with a sprained right knee. McDonald came up with his second interception in the past three games in a 24-18 victory over the New York Jets.

Cleveland led 17-6, but the Jets had driven to their own 48 and faced second down when McDonald nabbed quarterback Kellen Clemens' pass intended for receiver Wallace Wright. McDonald ran out of bounds at the Cleveland 31 with 10:07 to go.

''I was in man coverage against a pretty good receiver,'' McDonald said. I had pretty good leverage on the guy and I heard the ball call from a couple of my teammates on the sideline. I looked up and there it was.''

McDonald finished with four tackles (three solos), two passes defensed and a special teams tackle.

Browns coach Romeo Crennel said even if Wright had returned this week, McDonald had earned playing time in nickel situations. That's good news for McDonald, a fifth-round pick from Memphis who played only on special teams until game 8 against Seattle.

''I'm always looking forward to getting better responsibilities,'' McDonald said. ''If they call my name to do something, I'm going to try to do my best.''

McDonald may have been the 140th man drafted, but his teammates are noticing his contributions.

''Brandon McDonald continued to make big plays,'' receiver Braylon Edwards said.