The Browns defense made life hell for rookie Clayton Tune, whose professional debut is quickly forgotten.
Cleveland Browns (5-3) – Arizona Cardinals (1-8): 27-0
Despite the opposing records and trajectories, Cardinals and Browns had this in common that their defenses showed signs of satisfaction, before their opposition, this Sunday. On different levels, certainly, but satisfying all the same. The major difference being that Cleveland has benefited from luck since the start of the season. Some favorable refereeing decisions and a lot of luck.
The first touchdown of the match is the perfect illustration of this. The valiant, resilient Cardinals intercepted Deshaun Watson in the redzone, and then… The ball deflected by rookie Dante Stills finally ended up in the pockets of Amari Cooper (5 receptions, 139 yards, 1 touchdown). Allegory of two seasons in one action (10-0).
Off the defenders helmet and right to Amari Cooper for the TD 😱
📺: #AZvsCLE on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/d4RDZpcMkc pic.twitter.com/fg1O0Nh4db— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2023
Reducing the Browns to their good fortune would, however, be very reductive, in that Jim Schwartz’s defense is dominant in sequences. Clayton Tune (11/20, 58 yards, 2 interceptions, 5 carries, 28 yards), who was making his NFL debut, learned this the hard way on a fumble caused by Shelby Harris (3 tackles, including 2 for loss, 1 sack) and covered by the inevitable Myles Garrett (1 tackle for loss, 1 sack), 11 yards from the goal. A formality, even for a newly ordinary Deshaun Watson (19/30, 219 yards, 2 touchdowns) who is quick to find David Njoku (20-0).
A defense designed for the title
Punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, punt, punt, fumble, punt, interception, downs, punt, punt… A night in hell up north for Tune and the entire Cardinals offense. And suddenly, the return of Kyler Murray, whose fate continues to be sealed by the media across the Atlantic, is not only hoped for but greatly desired.
Opposite, Cleveland only had to unfold to ensure success, even offering Kareem Hunt (14 races, 38 yards, 1 touchdown) his third touchdown in as many matches. Without the injury to their left tackle Jedrick Wills, the copy would have been perfect. As long as Deshaun Watson gets a little closer to the player he once was, the Browns will look like a very serious title contender. Thank you defense.
