Cleveland Browns (4-7) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6): 23-17 after overtime
Already virtually far from the AFC playoffs, the Browns are already playing nothing more this season, in this game which should be the last of Jacoby Brissett, the suspension of Deshaun Watson being ended next week. On the other hand, Tom Brady and his cronies must win to keep the thin margin against the pursuers in NFC South, in particular the Falcons, since it is unlikely that a second place in this division will allow access to the Wildcards.
A convincing series for Cleveland, then the crossing of the desert
The Browns started the game well, with a first drive finished in the opposing end zone on a nice 31-yard trick play from Anthony Schwartz. Then a field goal from 51 yards on the second drive. And nothing more, or to be more precise: punt, missed field goal, interception, punt, punt, punt, turnover on downs, punt. For his last game, Jacoby Brissett (23/37, 210 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception) is faithful to his start to the season. He’s a game manager, but he can’t carry his team consistently.
Tampa Bay side, it’s a bit the same copy. 10 points scored in the first period, thanks in particular to Chris Godwin (12 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD) then a new touchdown in the 3rd quarter. The rest ? 7 points. Tom Brady makes a technically clean sheet (29/43, 246 yards, 2 TD), but shows an inaccuracy that we do not know him on the intermediate or in-depth routes. And with a running game that still does not advance (Rachaad White best runner at 64 yards), the entire attack of Tampa is stopped.
If the two teams collect the punts, it is mainly thanks to two solid defenses which go blow for blow. If Nick Chubb once again exceeds 100 yards (26 races, 116 yards, 1 TD), but the aerial attack is completely muzzled, the best receiver (Amari Cooper) accumulating only 31 yards in regular time. The Buccaneers are not doing much better, since apart from Godwin, the other stars of this offensive squad are also muzzled (Mike Evans at 31 yards, Julio Jones at 40 yards).
Equalization and extension
Since it was obviously necessary to prolong the pleasure, Tampa Bay cracks and is joined in the fourth quarter, on a beautiful one-handed reception in the in-goal of David Njoku.
In overtime, nothing new, the defenses continue to take precedence over the attacks, and each team misses its chance (2 punts for the Buccs, 1 for the Browns). The Buccs lose Tristan Wirfs, a key new part of Tom Brady’s offensive line. On their second possession, the Browns take advantage of a huge hole in the defense for a 45-yard pass to Amari Cooper, stopped 3 yards from the end zone. Nick Chubb concludes and takes the victory 19 seconds from the end of overtime. Bodes well ahead of Watson’s big debut for the Browns. On the Florida side, a new insufficient performance for a team that wants to have ambitions in the playoffs.
road running masterclass
📺: #TBvsCLE on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/yqrF3Gvffc pic.twitter.com/OGR7TxgvfY—Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 27, 2022
