That was a loss that turned into a victory. Joe Flacco threw three interceptions, and one was a pick-six. I thought the Browns were headed to another loss. But no, they wouldn’t let that happen. Flacco threw for 212 yards in the fourth quarter. That’s never happened by any Browns quarterback in any quarter. His QBR in the fourth was 144.4. The Browns are 5-0 in games decided by three points of less. They’re the only team with multiple wins when trailing by ten points or more in the fourth quarter. This team just doesn’t give up.
On offense, the Browns were under constant pressure. The Bear’s defense is as good as advertised and Montez Sweat is an offensive game wrecker. Cleveland just couldn’t run the ball. Then, Joel Bitonio gets hurt (back, day-to-day), and the offensive line is down to one starter. Even Nick Harris left the game. Luckly, he came back, but rookie Luke Wypler had to come in and take a couple snaps. Tight end David Njoku has found a connection with Joe Flacco. The last two games have been great. It was great to see wide receiver Marguise Goodwin catch that long pass. That’s why the Browns signed him, to play ten to twelve snaps and get that one shot down the field. Cedric Tillman and Elijah Moore had key receptions. Amari Cooper is a beast.
On defense, several players stepped up. DE Alex Wright, CB Denzel Ward, CB Cameron Mitchell, DT Shelby Harris, S Ronnie Hickman, S D’Anthony Bell and LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. JOK was fantastic yesterday. Six tackles, two TFL, one sack, one QB hit and an interception. DE Myles Garrett was held on just about every play and tackled twice. He still had eleven pressures. Wright and Mitchell had key stops on two fourth downs. This defense plays so much better when the secondary is playing well. Now do the same thing on the road. Maybe this week.
Rooting guide. Browns over Texans, Steelers over Bengals, Chargers over Bills, Falcons over Colts, Patriots over Broncos and 49ers over Ravens. The Browns have an 89% chance to make the playoffs and are the number five seed and number one wildcard team. They still have a chance to be the number one seed and division winner. Cleveland needs to win out and Baltimore needs to lose two.
Thank God the Hail Mary at the game bounced the Browns way. That seems to be happening quite a bit this year. Next up is Houston on the road, let’s hope the defense that played yesterday travels. Stay safe and Go Browns.