Browns end the regular season 8-1 at home
The NFL playoffs in 2023 will see the Cleveland Browns play.
After defeating the Jets 37-20 on Thursday Night Football, they formally secured a postseason berth for the first time since the 2020 campaign.
The Browns have faced hardship this season, including several key players who suffered season-ending injuries starting in Week 1. The Browns have embraced the phrase on all three sides of the ball and depended on the “next man up” mentality throughout the season. Losing three tackles, their star running back, and important players in their season after being one of only eight teams since 1961 to have at least four quarterbacks win a game as a starter
With one game remaining in the regular season, they are currently 11-5 and will return to the playoffs after all of this.
Key Moments:
The first half of the Browns’ game against the Jets was an offensive clinic, but the second half saw them struggle to find success. They surrendered a crucial turnover in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the third.
K Riley Patterson’s 33-yard field goal attempt to end the game officially gave the Browns a lead in the fourth quarter. The Browns scored in the second half for the first time, but it made no difference because their first-half 34-point explosion provided more than enough cushion on this particular night.
The second half saw a significant improvement from the defense. The Jets’ offensive possession was limited to a field goal by the Browns after Pierre Strong fumbled in the fourth quarter. On the Jets’ subsequent offensive play, they also earned a crucial defensive stop. QB Trevor Siemian ran for a first down while holding the ball, but the Browns forced him out of bounds prior to the first-down marker, and the Jets turned the ball over on downs.
DT Shelby Harris raises his hand to block the Jets’ attempt at a field goal on their first drive of the third quarter, preventing points from being scored. DE With 2:20 remaining in the third, Za’Darius Smith also made a crucial tackle quarter to force the Jets to punt the ball.
But the Browns’ first-half play laid the groundwork for their victory. Quarterback Joe Flacco found running back Jerome Ford for a 50-yard pass that found its way into the end zone for a touchdown, capping off the first half. That put the Browns ahead 34–14 with 1:25 remaining in the first half. The first half score was the highest for the team in the last four years.
Their first offensive play of the game saw Flacco connect with TE to establish their offensive dominance. After David Njoku gained 64 yards on two plays in the first drive, he found Ford for a 7-yard pass that resulted in the touchdown. After Flacco led the offense down the field, RB Kareem Hunt scored the first quarter’s second touchdown with a punt.
In the first quarter, the Browns’ defense also produced a crucial play when S Ronnie Hickman intercepted Siemian’s pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.
Player of the Game:
TE David Njoku
Njoku had two pass completions for 64 yards on the first drive of the first half, which was a major factor in the Browns’ offensive success. With six catches, he finished the game with 134 receiving yards. 43 yards was the longest reception he made.
Stat of the Game:
For the fourth straight game, Flacco passed for over 300 yards with three touchdowns, three interceptions, and 19 of 29 completions. Moreover, Flacco completed 296 yards of passing in the game’s first half.
What does it mean?
The Browns’ performance against the Jets was exactly what they needed to secure a postseason berth. The Browns were able to seize the chance and prolong their season in front of their home crowd by taking control of their destiny. They haven’t achieved this feat since the 2020 campaign, so it’s a significant milestone for the team given all the injuries the Browns have faced this year. They have demonstrated some resiliency this season, and on Thursday night, they once again needed that resiliency. They navigated the ups and downs on both sides of the ball by maintaining their composure throughout the second half.
What’s next?
The Browns will travel to Cincinnati for the final regular-season game against the Bengals in Week 18.
