The local quarterback alternated between the good and the very bad, but it passed.
Cleveland Browns (9-5) – Chicago Bears (5-9): 20-17
Cleveland is doing well! Manhandled by Chicago, the locals thought for a long time that this match would escape them. In this meeting dominated by defenses, as evidenced by the 19 punts, Joe Flacco (28/44, 374 yards, 2TDs, 3ints) suffered, but ended up finding the solution at the best of times.
Justin Fields (19/40, 166 yards, 1TD, 2ints) also had a complicated evening. The Bears quarterback will think back to this fourth attempt where he failed a few centimeters, victim of a spoon from Cameron Mitchell.
Doctor Joe
The first quarter is complicated for both attacks. Unable to advance, the two teams had already punted four times at the start of the second quarter. This is the moment chosen by Joe Flacco to change the rhythm of the match. The Cleveland quarterback is intercepted by Eddie Jackson who brings the ball back to the locals' 1 yard. Justin Field does not miss the opportunity and finds Cole Kmet in the endzone, 0-7.
This error will at least have the merit of waking him up. On the next possession, Flacco, almost perfect, connects with all his receivers and ends up finding David NJoku (10 receptions, 104 yards, 1TD) in the promised land. This improvement will be short-lived. Both teams have their punters shine again and the score doesn't change, 7-7 at halftime.
It was a new interception by Flacco which moved the score at the start of the third quarter. The Cleveland quarterback sends the ball towards Cedric Tillman who releases it on contact. The latter ends its race in the hands of Tremaine Edmunds who takes the leather up to the endzone7-14.
This time, Cleveland does not respond and does not seem to be able to do so. Fortunately for the locals, the defense held up and allowed the Browns to stay in the game. Trailing by 10 points after a field goal from Santos, Joe Flacco and his team will get a boost from their opponent. On yet another punt, the Bears returner lets the ball escape on reception and returns it to the Browns on his 20 yards. But Flacco is definitely having a very bad day and throws his third interception of the game.
Mister Flacco
Coming back to 7 points thanks to a field goal at the start of the last quarter, the Browns recovered the ball five minutes from the end. This is the moment Flacco chooses to be decisive, and this time for his team. He finds Ahusband Cooper finishing his race in the endzone17-17.
The momentum is in Cleveland's hands, and it will stay there until the end of the game. Fields quickly left the field and Flacco can thank Njoku. The tight end advances enough to offer a comfortable field goal attempt to his team. Dustin Hopkins did not let the opportunity pass and gave the locals the advantage for the first time 30 seconds from the end of the match, 20-17.
Given the dominance of Cleveland's defense in this game, the Bears' chances seem very slim. However, Justin Field managed to guide his team to the opposing 45 yards and attempted a Hail Mary. The ball goes into the endzone, is deflected by a defender and falls on Darnell Mooney (2 receptions, 14 yards), alone. But the Chicago receiver lets the ball escape and the victory.
Led during almost the entire game, Cleveland is doing very well and is getting a little closer to the play-offs. For Chicago, this cruel defeat puts an end to their hopes, born after the victories against Minnesota and Detroit.
