Cleveland Browns won against the Philadelphia Eagles
Table of Contents
NFL: Jalen Hurts throws two touchdown passes while the Eagles beat the Browns 20-16.
October 13, 2024 according to the AP calendar.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) In the closing moments, Nick Sirianni, perhaps angered by Eagles fans calling for his dismissal, couldn’t restrain his words. The coach from Philadelphia, who is known for frequently talking trash, pointed to his right ear and taunted fans in the front rows at the Linc.
Following the Philadelphia Eagles‘ narrow victory over the struggling Browns, Sirianni decided to boast, creating gossip for social media and tabloids regarding a coach whose position is constantly questioned and who, even after winning, will not gain favor in Philadelphia.
“Sirianni expressed enthusiasm about winning,” he said. “Thankful for the assistance from Linc.”
He needed to show more appreciation for the Eagles’ offense.
On Sunday, Philadelphia defeated Cleveland 20-16 with the help of Jalen Hurts, who passed for 264 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was a 45-yard throw to DeVonta Smith in the fourth quarter to take the lead.
Hurts additionally passed for a 22-yard touchdown to A.J. Brown, who came back to play alongside Smith following their respective injury absences. The Eagles must avoid losing both players for extended periods if they hope to have a successful playoff run.
After a rest week, the frustrating Eagles (3-2) had a challenging game against the Browns (1-5) in front of a mostly unenthusiastic crowd. Prior to Smith’s touchdown, Eagles supporters only displayed passion when they yelled for Sirianni to be dismissed.
NFL: Players’ Remarks
Sirianni stated that a few players expressed to him, “We need you back, Nick. We need your energy. We need your focus.”
“I encourage him to be himself. That’s who he is,” Hurts said.
Down 20-13, the Browns advanced into Eagles territory towards the end of the game, but ultimately opted for a 31-yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins. Deshaun Watson was forced out of play at the 2-yard line while scrambling, and he made an incomplete pass on third down.
The Eagles started their possession with 3:54 left on the clock and successfully prevented Cleveland from regaining possession, as Hurts connected with Brown for a 40-yard gain to secure the victory.
Sirianni assured changes after the bye week and stayed true to his word by shaving his head, as the fourth-year coach had pledged.
During the game, the Eagles appeared unchanged as they neutralized Saquon Barkley, struggled with Hurts’ connection to top receivers, and had poor special teams performance.
Is there a redeeming quality? They faced off against the Browns.
Watson’s poor performance did not do anything to silence the demands for the team’s $230 million quarterback to be benched in this NFL. He completed 16 out of 23 passes for 168 yards, but the Browns did not score a single offensive touchdown – they have yet to reach 20 points in a game this season.
“We’re putting ourselves in the danger zone for not being to accomplish what we want to accomplish,” Watson said.
Cleveland scored their single touchdown when All-Pro Myles Garrett blocked a field goal, which was then scooped up by Rodney McLeod Jr. and returned all the way to the end zone. Watson was taken down behind the line of scrimmage three times and passed for only 49 yards in the initial two quarters.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed last week he will continue to handle play-calling responsibilities and remains dedicated to Watson, who is in the third year of his five-year contract with full guarantees.
NFL: Stefanski in support of Watson
Stefanski stated post-game that he would continue to support Watson, despite the Browns seeming unlikely to replicate last year’s playoff success achieved with Joe Flacco as the backup.
Stefanski acknowledged the intense effort from the team but emphasized the need to secure a victory against a tough opponent. “We had chances, but we didn’t succeed.”
After sitting out the past three games due to a hamstring injury, Brown made six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. Smith made three receptions totaling 64 yards following his absence in a game due to a concussion.
Brown stated that because he hadn’t played football for a month, he needed to pay attention to the little details. “Ensure that I am physically sprinting, not just watching for the ball.”
In this NFL, After failing to score in the first quarter for the fifth time this season, Jake Elliott finally scored with a 49-yard field goal. During their subsequent drive, the Eagles had an unusual offensive outburst: Hurts connected with Grant Calcaterra for 34 yards, then found Brown twice for gains of 16 and 22 yards, resulting in a 10-0 lead.
Dustin Hopkins successfully made a 43-yard field goal for the Browns, bringing the score to 10-3.
The Eagles appeared ready to maintain a narrow lead going into halftime as Elliott prepared for a 57-yard field goal attempt in this NFL. Garrett managed to touch the ball as he leaped over Tyler Steen – an impressive display for someone who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 272 pounds – to make the block. In the past, Eagles’ McLeod picked up the ball and sprinted 50 yards for a touchdown, finishing with a somersault into the end zone, to even the score at 10-10 with 14 seconds remaining in the half.
Eagles supporters, disillusioned with Sirianni after last season’s tardy decline, jeered the team as they left the field. The extremely mad ones began a “Fire Nick!” chant, as those watching from home wondered on social platforms if a coach could be terminated during halftime.
We feed off the energy of the audience as they root for us. Sirianni stated, “That’s the extent of what I will share.”
Browns’ center Nick Harris was taken off the field in a cart due to an ankle injury during the first drive. Harris was substituted by third-stringer Michael Dunn. RB Jerome Ford sustained a hamstring injury. Harris started the game only because starting player Ethan Pocic was unable to play due to a knee injury. Pocic was unavailable, as were safeties Delpit (concussion) and Hickman (ankle).
Dallas Goedert, the Eagles tight end, sustained a hamstring injury. CB Darius Slay departed due to a knee injury. OT Jordan Mailata also departed in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury.
Browns will face Cincinnati at home next Sunday.
Eagles will play against the New York Giants next Sunday.
