In a tightly contested game on Sunday, Jalen Hurts demonstrated his skill with a performance that included 264 passing yards and two touchdowns, helping the Philadelphia Eagles secure a 20-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns. One of his key plays was a 45-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in the fourth quarter that ultimately set the Eagles ahead.
Hurts also connected with A.J. Brown for a 22-yard touchdown. Both receivers had returned to action after dealing with injuries earlier in the season, and their presence is crucial if the Eagles aim to make a strong push towards the playoffs. Having just come off a bye week, the Eagles (3-2) faced a diligent Browns team (1-5) amid a somewhat apathetic crowd.
Fans expressed dissatisfaction during the match, displaying their frustration by calling for coach Nick Sirianni’s dismissal at various points in the game. As the game neared its conclusion, with the Eagles leading 20-13, the Browns ventured into Eagles territory but could only manage a 31-yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was stopped just shy of the end zone and failed to complete a pass on the following third down.
The Eagles capitalized on their final possession, maintaining possession for the remaining 3:54 and sealing the game with a significant 40-yard connection from Hurts to Brown. Sirianni had promised changes following the bye week, and he notably altered his appearance by shaving his head.
Despite the changes off the field, on-field woes persisted for the Eagles, who struggled with their execution and failed to fully involve running back Saquon Barkley in their offensive game plan. Unsatisfactory special teams play was also evident, and without playing stronger opponents, it’s challenging to gauge their true performance level.
Watson’s struggles continued, fueling criticism of the hefty $230 million investment Cleveland made in him. He finished 16 of 23 for 168 yards, and the Browns were unable to score any offensive touchdowns throughout the game, marking a continued failure to reach 20 points in any contest this season.
The Browns’ lone touchdown came from a spectacular defensive play; All-Pro Myles Garrett blocked a field goal attempt, which Rodney McLeod Jr. recovered and returned, scoring without opposition. Watson found himself on the receiving end of three sacks and managed a mere 49 passing yards in the first half.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski appeared unwavering in his support for Watson, opting to retain play-calling duties despite the scrutiny surrounding the quarterback’s performance, particularly as he navigates through his third season of a fully guaranteed contract.
A.J. Brown led the receiving corps with six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown following his recovery from a hamstring injury. DeVonta Smith contributed three catches for 64 yards in his return from a concussion. The game also featured field goals from Jake Elliott, who kicked a 44-yarder in the third quarter, and Hopkins, who made a 49-yarder in the fourth to tie things at 13-13.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles took the lead when Elliott converted a 49-yard field goal. They started to find their rhythm on a drive that included a series of effective passes culminating in a 22-yard touchdown from Hurts to Brown that established a 10-point lead. The Browns struck back with a 43-yard field goal from Hopkins to make it 10-3.
Looking to carry momentum into halftime, the Eagles looked set with Elliott attempting another long-range field goal. However, Garrett’s impressive jump resulted in a blocked attempt, allowing McLeod to scoop up the loose ball and return it for a touchdown, tying the game at the half as fans expressed their frustration with the team’s performance.
In the injury department, the Browns lost center Nick Harris to an ankle injury during their first drive, with third-stringer Michael Dunn stepping in. Running back Jerome Ford also suffered a hamstring injury, joining several other key players on the inactive list. The Eagles, too, faced injury concerns with tight end Dallas Goedert and cornerback Darius Slay leaving the game due to injuries, alongside offensive tackle Jordan Mailata.
Looking ahead, the Browns will host the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, while the Eagles will travel to face the New York Giants.