This game is going to be the topic of discussion throughout all of Cleveland this coming week. The Browns fell to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon. They move to 2-2 on the season. An early fumble resulted in an Atlanta touchdown. Also, mixed in with some questionable play calling and an interception to seal the Browns fate made for a long day.
Take the points
One of the biggest complaints fans will have regarding this game is the play calling by the coaching staff. Early through the first quarter the Browns were positioned on the Falcons 11-yard line. The Browns were able to move it to Atlanta’s 4-yard line and were facing a 4th & 3. Instead of kicking the field goal and attempting to grab the 3 points, the Browns instead decided to line up in the shotgun and go for it. Jacoby Brissett’s pass fell short to David Njoku and the ball was turned over on downs.
Second quarter woes
Fast forward to the second quarter and the Browns are faced with a similar situation. The Browns were facing the Atlanta end zone with a 1st & Goal at the ATL 1-yard line. An unsuccessful run from Chubb for no gain and a 10-yard offensive holding penalty moved the ball back out to ATL 11 for a 2nd & Goal with another shot at the end zone. Instead of giving the ball to Chubb or Hunt, the best running back duo in the league, the Browns ran two consecutive passing plays, both of which were incomplete. The Browns had to settle for a field goal to tie the game at 10-10 with 7 seconds remaining in the first half.
(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Third quarter lead
Denzel Ward was able to secure an interception midway through the third quarter. This resulted in a Browns field goal to give the Browns a 13-10 lead, their first of the day. Both teams traded touchdowns to begin the fourth quarter. With Atlanta’s Caleb Huntley rushing it in for a 5-yard touchdown and Nick Chubb returning the favor a few minutes later with a 28-yard touchdown run of his own.
Falcons charge back
On their next drive, Younghoe Koo kicked a field goal for Atlanta midway through the fourth quarter to tie the game 20-20. The Browns following drive was stalled short and were forced to punt away with 3:44 remaining in the fourth. Atlanta took over possession at their own 9-yard line. Then constructed a drive to get the ball all the way down to Cleveland’s 27-yard line. The drive ended with another field goal from Younghoe Koo. His third of the day, to give the Falcons a three-point lead.
Interception ending
The Browns received the ball on their own 25 with 2:28 left in the fourth quarter. A textbook two-minute game winning drive was only 75 yards away. Over the next 1:25, Cleveland moved the ball down to their own 46-yard line. After a 5-yard penalty and an 8-yard sack on Jacoby Brissett, the Browns were facing a 3rd & 23 with the game on the line. Jacoby Brissett attempted a deep pass to David Bell. It was intercepted by Atlanta’s Dee Alford at ATL 26 to end the comeback attempt.
Kevin Stefanski is going to have himself a busy week fielding questions from the media and fans alike. A loss like this is frustrating for everyone involved. But nothing is going to get resolved by playing the “what if” game.
The Browns welcome the Chargers (2-2) to town next Sunday afternoon for a conference matchup
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