Browns’ offense falls short late in game
Offensively, the Browns found a spark on their opening scripted drive, moving down the field on an eight-play drive that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from QB Shedeur Sanders to TE Harold Fannin Jr.. Stefanski said their efficiency on first and second downs allowed them to stay out of third-down situations and move the ball downfield.
They also utilized the run game more effectively and found a balance with the run and pass game. Cleveland finished with 160 net rushing yards and 134 net passing yards.
The Browns continued to find ways to move the ball downfield and found the end zone once more in the third quarter as Fannin ran the ball for 1-yard touchdown.
“I thought we executed our blocks better,” G Joel Bitonio said. “We talked about our one eleventh and executing the run. (C Luke) Wypler did a good job getting us on the same page, and guys executing their one-on-ones. I think (QB) Shedeur (Sanders) did a good job scrambling in the first half, he picked up 10 yards a few times doing that, things are going to open up when you are doing that. That keeps you on track and gives you a new set of downs, so then you can run the ball again.”
On two offensive drives that stalled, the Browns still managed to get into field goal position to allow K Andre Szmyt to make a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 41-yard field goal.
However, with 3:47 left in the fourth quarter down three points, the Browns had a chance at one final offensive drive after the Bills turned the ball over on downs. Shedeur Sanders connected with Corley for an 11-yard game but then took a sack for a loss of eight yards to back their own 23-yard line. An intentional grounding call backed the Browns up farther at the two-minute warning. Then on third-and-32, Shedeur Sanders looked deep for Jeudy, but the pass fell incomplete and the Browns were forced to punt.
Shedeur Sanders finished the game completing 20 of 29 passing attempts for 157 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also added four carries for 49 yards.
“He battled like he does, I thought he made some unbelievable plays with his feet today, which I thought going into the game would be the case,” Stefanski said. “Always room to grow for a young player, but proud of how he fought.”
