Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) – Cleveland Browns (1-5): 20-16
As a symbol, it was on a 40-yard reception from the returning AJ Brown (6 rec, 116 yards, 1TD) that the Eagles came to validate their victory. 2 minutes from the end, the receiver received the pass which allowed the Eagles to recover 3 new attempts and above all to bring the clock down to zero.
Philadelphia was not impressive but the Eagles found victory again. That's already it. On the Cleveland side, the team and Kevin Stefanski continue to dig their own grave.
Cleveland “miracled”
After an endless sequence of punt exchanges in the first quarter, the Eagles opened the scoring first at the start of the second.
It was Jake Elliott who scored the first points on a 49-yard field goal (3-0) after a series of almost 7 minutes in attack. The locals increased their lead on their next offensive series thanks to the returning AJ Brown.
The number 11 of the Eagles shows that he has lost none of his talent with a 22-yard reception on a deep pass. It makes a touchdown and 10 to 0 for the Eagles.
At this point in the match, we wonder how the Browns will be able to recover. They who have just completed 3 punts and only gained 26 yards.
Except that a small miracle happens for the Browns. First, the attack regains a little momentum. Deshaun Watson (16/23, 168 yards) finds some rhythm in passing and positions his team for a field goal (10-3).
But above all, Cleveland took advantage of an action that came out of “nowhere” to come back to the score. With Philadelphia in field goal position just before halftime, Miles Garrett blocked the kick. The leather bounces and it's McLeod who recovers the ball to run towards the Eagles' goal for the touchdown (10-10).
Thank you AJ Brown and DeVonta Smtih
Philadelphia thought it would be surprised at the start of the second half when Cleveland had the opportunity to take the lead. But the Browns miss their field goal.
Finally it was the locals who got back in front with a kick (13-10). A short-lived advantage since the visitors responded immediately with 3 points (13-13). Despite these points, Cleveland continues to show its offensive limits. For this field goal, it took the Browns 8 minutes of possession and only 39 yards gained in 12 actions. Hard…
After AJ Brown in the first half, it's the team's other star receiver who makes the difference. DeVonta Smith (3rec, 64 yards, 1TD) makes a nice route which allows him to leave his defender on the spot in traffic and to be able to capture the leather alone on the right of the field. The runner then goes back 45 yards for the touchdown. At 20-13 and facing this attack, the Eagles seem to have done the hard part.
An impression which is confirmed when the Cleveland attack rows back into the zone of truth. 4 minutes from the end the Browns are in 4&goal but a penalty from an offensive lineman pushes them to choose 3 points (20-16). Behind, Cleveland no longer sees the ball and loses again.
