Cleveland Browns (8-5) – Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5):
At the end of a very long match, the Browns won with a much closer score than the appearance of the match would have led one to believe. Very quickly in front and taking advantage of numerous errors, they left their opponents alive and hoping until the last minute. In this confrontation between two teams contending for the playoffs, Cleveland shows that even without its starting quarterback, the team remains very solid and serious.
Trevor Lawrence (28/50, 257 yards, 3 TD, 3 int) touched last week and uncertain until a few hours before the match was perhaps not in full possession. By throwing 3 interceptions, the quarterback greatly facilitated the life of the hyper-realistic Browns to improve turnovers.
David Njoku sees double
The Browns get off to a great start. A surgical drive, 75 yards recovered in 6 plays and David Njoku totally forgotten by the defense is at the conclusion. After an exchange of 7 punts (!) for cumulative gains of 66 yards, Cleveland moves forward again. And once again it is the tight end who concludes with a 30 yard reception.
The season of giving is here
As in a foretaste of Christmas, the two teams exchanged several gifts. An exchange of interceptions first in quick succession. Pleasures to offer from the two quarterbacks, as the passes were given to the opponent. Then it's Amari Cooper who lets the leather escape. Joy of receiving for the Jaguars who did not hesitate to convert into a touchdown two plays later. Trevor Lawrence does it again and is intercepted a second time by Martin Emerson.
And the gifts don't stop after the break. The Jaguars make a point of showing their generosity. A new entry fumble from rookie Parker Washington gives the Browns, and in this case Kareem Hunt on the ground, the opportunity to make the break. (21-7)
Lawrence has put on his Santa costume and continues his distribution by throwing his 3rd interception of the evening. For the 3rd time, the Ohio players improved the turnover to 7 points. David Bell takes advantage of a new defensive wandering to quietly score a touchdown. Without forcing Cleveland, it is content to capitalize on its opponent's errors. And Joe Flacco (26/45, 311 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int) in the role of whipping father scores the points.
And yet Jacksonville hangs on and stays alive. Travis Etienne responds to Hunt and Washington catches up with a 19-yard touchdown. The best defense in the NFL concedes points despite not conceding many yards. The Jags' stay alive and fight until the final moments. A new touchdown from Evan Engram even offers hope of an exploit. But a failed 2-point conversion and a lost onside kick let the locals leave victorious.
