In a thrilling AFC matchup, Joe Flacco showcased his quarterback prowess, throwing three touchdown passes, as the Cleveland Browns secured a hard-fought 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Flacco’s impressive performance included 26 completions on 45 attempts for 311 yards, with two crucial touchdown passes to David Njoku in the first half. Despite Flacco’s interception, the Browns’ solid defense intercepted Trevor Lawrence three times and capitalized on two fumbles from the Jaguars, converting them into second-half touchdowns.
Playing less than a week after a high-ankle sprain to his right foot, Lawrence completed 28 of 50 throws for 257 yards and three touchdowns. A pass to Parker Washington with 8:52 left in the game brought the Jaguars within striking distance at 28-21.
Attempting to seal the win, the Browns stopped the Jaguars on a fourth-and-3 at the Jacksonville 38 with 3 1/2 minutes remaining. Dustin Hopkins then extended the lead with a 55-yard field goal.
In a last-ditch effort, Jacksonville mounted a 75-yard drive, culminating in Lawrence’s 2-yard toss to Evan Engram for his second touchdown of the game. However, Lawrence was sacked on the subsequent two-point attempt, leaving the score at 31-27. The Browns secured the onside kick and successfully ran out the clock.
The Browns’ offense amassed 389 total yards compared to the Jaguars’ 293. While Flacco had one interception, the Browns lost two fumbles, each resulting in touchdowns for the Jaguars.
Both teams capitalized on turnovers for third-quarter touchdowns. Jacksonville’s Parker Washington fumbled on the first possession of the period, leading to a direct snap to Kareem Hunt and a 4-yard touchdown run for the Browns. Antonio Johnson’s strip-sack of Flacco later set up Travis Etienne Jr.’s 1-yard rushing touchdown for the Jaguars.
Despite trailing 14-0 in the second quarter, the Jaguars capitalized on turnovers, scoring on Lawrence’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Evan Engram. Engram finished the game with 11 catches for 95 yards.
The Browns secured their lead with 34- and 30-yard touchdown passes to Njoku, who ended the game with six receptions for 91 yards. In a game marked by turnovers and dramatic moments, the Browns’ resilience ultimately secured a crucial victory in the AFC battle.
