Browns escape Titans test to remain atop AFC North

The Cleveland Browns held a 4-2 record coming into Nashville and looked to continue their impressive start to the season and consolidate their position at the top of the AFC North. Cleveland had established itself as a contender in a competitive division, while the Tennessee Titans were desperate to build some sort of momentum after winning their first game of the season in Week 6.

The Titans came flying out of the blocks, taking the lead on their opening possession. Running back Tony Pollard broke through the Browns’ defense for a 36-yard touchdown run, giving Tennessee a 7-0 advantage.

The Browns struggled to contain Pollard early on, and the Titans quickly extended their lead. Following an interception of Watson by cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, Tennessee regained possession and wasted little time capitalising. Pollard found the end zone again, this time from 10 yards out, making it a double for him inside 7 minutes.

Cleveland desperately needed a response, and running back Quinshon Judkins provided one. After breaking free for a 30-yard gain, Judkins finished the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 14-7 and giving the Browns a foothold in the contest.

Tennessee had an opportunity to restore its two-touchdown advantage in the second quarter, reaching the Cleveland 1-yard line. However, the Browns’ defense stood firm, stopping Pollard on 4th and goal to force a turnover on downs and prevent the Titans from adding to their lead.

The momentum began to swing towards Cleveland. After a fumble gave Tennessee possession, the Titans were unable to capitalise, and Ward subsequently threw an interception to Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. Cleveland turned the takeaway into points, with Judkins powering into the end zone from 6 yards out to level the score at 14-14.

The Browns continued to apply pressure before half-time, moving the ball downfield to set up kicker Andre Szmyt. He converted a 28-yard field goal as the clock expired, completing Cleveland’s comeback from 14 points down and sending the visitors into the break with a 17-14 lead.

The third quarter passed without either team finding the end zone. Cleveland had an opportunity to extend its advantage, but Szmyt missed a 43-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, allowing Tennessee to remain within striking distance.

The Titans took advantage of the reprieve, putting together a lengthy drive that ended with Joey Slye converting a 29-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 apiece.

Cleveland responded with an important drive of its own. Watson connected with rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion, who continued an impressive afternoon with a key 18-yard gain to move the Browns into scoring range. Watson then took matters into his own hands, scrambling 9 yards into the end zone to put Cleveland back in front at 24-17 with 4 and a half minutes remaining.

Tennessee refused to surrender. Ward guided the offense on one of the best drives of his young career, keeping the possession alive with a crucial 4th down completion to Elic Ayomanor. Ward then found Carnell Tate for an 18-yard reception that brought the Titans to the Cleveland 1-yard line.

Pollard finished the drive with his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon, powering through the middle for the with 58 seconds to play. Slye added the extra point, bringing the game level at 24-24 and setting up a dramatic finish.

Watson had one final opportunity to deliver a game-winning drive. The Browns quarterback immediately found tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who turned a catch-and-run reception into a huge gain and put Cleveland within range of a decisive field goal.

Szmyt, having missed an earlier attempt, stepped up with the game on the line. As time expired, the kicker calmly converted a 32-yard field goal to secure a 27-24 victory for Cleveland – his third walk-off kick of the season.

The win improved the Browns’ record to 5-2 and kept them atop the AFC North, while Tennessee fell to 1-6 after letting a 14-point lead slip away. For Cleveland, it was another late-game comeback, while the Titans were left to reflect on a few missed opportunities after coming agonisingly close to forcing overtime.

Touchdowns
Cleveland: Judkins 2, Watson
Tennessee: Pollard 3

Top Performers
Cleveland: Judkins, Concepcion Jr., Fannin Jr., Ward
Tennessee: Pollard, Tate, Flott, Hill Jr.

Injuries
Cleveland: Howard (concussion)
Tennessee: N/A

Crowd: TBC @ Nissan Stadium