This one was a little stressful at the end. But as long as the Browns get the job done, I'm sure we can all live with it. And that's exactly what they did! In a game full of turnovers (a combined seven turnovers committed by both teams), penalties (15 for 115 yards), and sometimes sloppy plays, Cleveland found a way to come out on top for a massive home win against Jacksonville! How'd they do it? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Joe Flacco looking like his old self
Who knows how much Joe Flacco has left in the tank? His prime, Super Bowl-winning days are probably far behind him. He's 38 years old, which is getting up there for any player in the NFL.
But who would've thought that he'd be the Browns best option at quarterback, especially at this point in the season? I certainly didn't! The team has four games left on their regular season schedule, and they're putting their hopes in him to get to January for the second time in four seasons. Even crazier than that? He's actually looking like his old self.
Was he perfect? Of course not. He did throw an interception today. But other than that, he went 26-45 for 311 yards and three touchdowns. And not only that, they all looked easy. His two touchdowns to David Njoku were a thing of beauty, and his third one to David Bell in the fourth quarter was fun to watch with no Jaguar defenders anywhere near him.
I know it's a long road to anywhere. Whether it's to the Playoffs, or to that elusive Super Bowl appearance we all hope we live to see. But with the way this team is built, and for how this season has gone, they don't need a franchise quarterback to win. If the Browns can "ugly it up" while still playing well, play strong defense, and have good, solid quarterback play, this team can win in crunch time. They showed it today. And a big reason for that was how Flacco played. Thank you, Joe!
Welcome back, Browns defense!
Yes, they did give up 27 points. But I would much rather have a defense that can shut games down when it matters most, than look strong on the stat sheet but soft in high-pressure situations.
For a few years in the past, including at least one under Joe Woods, the Browns have had a statistically good defense. But they never had that killer instinct to win games in crunch time. They'd routinely blow it. But this defense was back to their old ways today for the most part.
They racked up four sacks and hit Trevor Lawrence 12 times. And they forced four turnovers. And this was without Myles Garrett going off. Even though Garrett always has the potential to influence a game even when he's not getting home for sacks, he only had one tackle today and three quarterback hits. He didn't register a sack.
But his defensive teammates picked up the slack for him. Grant Delpit, Maurice Hurst, Za'Darius Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo each had a sack. Martin Emerson had two interceptions, and Greg Newsome had an interception as well. This defense is at their best when they are able to generate pressure up front, and play "front to back football."
If the defensive line is performing well, they'll force opposing quarterbacks into bad decisions, which allows defensive backs to make plays on the football in the back end. My only gripes with how they played today? They still need to sharpen up on run defense, and if there's a chance to get interceptions, they need to consistently snag those.
They did get three off Lawrence today, which is great. But I saw opportunities for them to have at least 2-3 more. Including one or two that would have sealed the game long before the Browns recovered an onside kick. But for today, I'm very happy to see our defense come back!
If they can sharpen up? Look out! But a big reason they played well today? The Browns special teams unit!
Brown$ $pecial Team$
I don't usually get very excited about special teams very often. But these guys were absolute MONEY today! If you have a great defense that's supported by a great and consistent punter, you really have an underrated combination. A secret weapon. The Browns have that this season with Corey Bojorquez.
I can't remember a time that I have screamed as loud for a punt as I did a touchdown. But Bojorquez's longest punt of the day had me going crazy!
The Browns were pinned deep near or inside their own 10 yard line at the end of a drive that went nowhere. But as soon as Bojorquez got the snap, and foot met ball? He got hold of it. Completely.
That sucker hung in the air for at least three solid seconds, and just kept going. And going. And GOING! And it finally landed inside the Jaguars' 10 yard line. That man's leg just completely nullified any andvantage Jacksonville was hoping to have. He booted a 72-yard punt. 72 yards. That's one of the best punts I've ever seen in my life!
Beyond that boomer of a kick, Bojorquez had a fantastic day, booting eight punts that averaged 51.5 yards per punt, and he pinned the Jags inside their own 20 three times. Whatever Coach Ventrone is teaching his unit is really working!
Dustin Hopkins was clutch again today too, as he drilled a 55-yard field goal to put Cleveland up by 10 late in the game. But let me drop some numbers here:
Since 2018, Browns kickers are only 11-16 in home December games (69%). Mother Nature has been getting the best of them on the shores of Lake Erie. But she may have met her match in Dustin Hopkins. He's 2-2 so far this month, has made the most field goals in the NFL at 31, and has a conversion rate of 91% on the season. He's been fantastic so far this year!
And the Browns are going to need him, and everyone else to show up again next week, as Cleveland hosts the Chicago Bears. The Bears beat Detroit convincingly today, 28-13. They're no doubt licking their chops to play spoiler to another playoff contender. But if the Browns can show up and play well in all three phases like they did today? They'll get win #9 next week, which will mean another winning season at the very least!
But until then? Enjoy the first Victory Monday in three weeks, Dawg Pound! Party it up!
GO BROWNS!
Statistical Leaders
Joe Flacco: 26-45, 311 yards, 3 TDs, INT
Jerome Ford: 12 carries, 51 yards
David Njoku: 6 catches, 91 yards, 2 TDs.
Sources: ESPN, cleveland.com, si.com
Picture Credit: clesportstalk.com