The Cleveland Browns defense did more than enough to shut down the anemic Philadelphia Eagles offense in a convincing victory to advance to 7-3 on the season, the franchise’s best start since winning eight of their first 10 games in 1994. Sione Takitaki had a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown and Olivier Vernon recorded a safety as Cleveland’s defense gave the Browns nine points in the convincing 22-17 victory.
Nick Chubb finished with another 100-yard rushing game and Kareem Hunt scored a rushing touchdown despite not having any positive rushing yards until the fourth quarter. The Browns entered the contest averaging 209.8 rushing yards a game with Chubb in the lineup — but still finished with 138 even though they averaged 3.5 yards per carry. On a rainy and windy afternoon, the Browns continued to keep the ball on the ground and wear down the Eagles defense, which paid off in the fourth quarter with 10 points in the final frame. Baker Mayfield was efficient has he finished 12 of 22 for 204 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions, although he did record a lost fumble. Cleveland keeps pace for the final AFC playoff spot as the Browns advance to 7-3 on the year.
Why the Browns won
The Browns continued the tried-and-true formula of running the football and wearing down the Eagles defense, which they could execute thanks to the defense recording nine points of their own in taking a 12-7 lead in the second half. Sione Takitaki had a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown to give the Browns a 7-0 lead — one they wouldn’t relinquish. Olivier Vernon also sacked Wentz in the end zone for a safety to put Cleveland up 12-7. That was more than enough for the Browns to stick to the run, highlighted by a 54-yard run from Nick Chubb and an impressive 5-yard touchdown run by Kareem Hunt on the Browns’ second touchdown drive to put them up 19-10 with 9:13 to play — which ended up sealing the victory. Having the lead throughout the contest allowed the Browns to stick to their game plan and rely on Chubb and Hunt to protect it. The Browns also won their first game where they gave up more than eight points.