The Cleveland Browns have secured their spot in the 2023 NFL playoffs, marking a significant achievement for the team.
This accomplishment was confirmed on Thursday following their impressive 37-20 victory against the Jets during the Thursday Night Football game. This playoff berth is a notable moment for the Browns, as it’s their first since the 2020 season.
The journey to this point hasn’t been easy for the Browns. The team has faced a challenging season, overcoming numerous injuries that sidelined important players right from the first week. Despite these setbacks, the Browns have demonstrated remarkable resilience and a strong “next man up” philosophy, applying it effectively in all aspects of their gameplay. They’ve shown exceptional adaptability, illustrated by a unique achievement: having four different quarterbacks lead them to victories in the same season, a feat not commonly seen since 1961. Moreover, they’ve coped with the loss of critical players, including three tackles, their lead running back, and several vital members of their secondary defense.
Now, with an 11-5 record and just one game remaining in the regular season, the Browns are poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
Crucial Highlights:
In their game against the Jets, the Browns showcased a dominant offensive performance in the first half, only to face challenges in maintaining that momentum after halftime. The third quarter saw them unable to score, and a significant turnover occurred in the fourth quarter.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter when K Riley Patterson nailed a 33-yard field goal, marking the Browns’ first points in the second half. Despite the second-half struggles, the Browns’ explosive 34-point lead in the first half provided a substantial advantage.
Defensively, the Browns made pivotal plays in the latter half. A notable moment was when they limited the Jets to a field goal following a fumble by Pierre Strong in the fourth quarter. Another crucial defensive moment was when they stopped Jets QB Trevor Siemian short of a first down, forcing a turnover on downs.
An early highlight for the Browns’ defense was when DT Shelby Harris blocked a field goal attempt by the Jets in the third quarter’s opening drive. DE Za’Darius Smith’s tackle at 2:20 in the third quarter was also key, leading to a Jets punt.
However, the foundation of the Browns’ victory was their first-half performance. A highlight was a 50-yard pass from QB Joe Flacco to RB Jerome Ford, resulting in a touchdown with 1:25 left in the first half, bringing the score to 34-14. This was their highest-scoring first half in four years.
From the game’s outset, the Browns’ offense was on fire. Flacco’s two completions to TE David Njoku totaled 64 yards in the opening drive, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ford. Kareem Hunt also contributed with a 7-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
On defense, a key first-quarter moment was S Ronnie Hickman intercepting Siemian’s pass and returning it 30 yards for a touchdown, bolstering the Browns’ early lead.
For Thursday’s game against the Jets, several Cleveland Browns players will not be participating:
- Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.
- Kicker Dustin Hopkins.
- Punter Corey Bojorquez.
- Defensive End Ogbo Okoronkwo.
- Center Luke Wypler.
- Defensive End Sam Kamara.
- Wide Receiver Amari Cooper
Changes to the Team Roster:
- Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been placed on injured reserve.
- Quarterback P.J. Walker has been promoted to the active roster from the practice squad.
- Punter Matt Haack has been added to the practice squad and subsequently promoted.
- Kicker Riley Patterson has also been signed to the practice squad and elevated to the team.
Standout Player:
TE David Njoku
David Njoku was instrumental in the Browns’ strong offensive display, particularly in the first half. His impact was felt right from the start, making two crucial catches totaling 64 yards in the opening drive. By the game’s end, Njoku had amassed 134 yards over six receptions, with his longest being a notable 43-yard catch.
Key Statistic of the Match:
QB Joe Flacco excelled, surpassing 300 passing yards for the fourth game in a row. He completed 19 out of 29 pass attempts, accumulating 309 yards. This included three touchdowns and one interception, with an impressive 296 yards thrown in just the first half.
Significance of the Victory:
This game was pivotal for the Browns’ playoff aspirations, a milestone they hadn’t reached since the 2020 season. Facing the Jets, the Browns grasped the opportunity to secure their postseason spot, a task made more commendable given the numerous injuries they’ve contended with this season. Their resilience was on full display, especially in the second half where they navigated the game’s ups and downs effectively on both offense and defense.
Looking Ahead:
Next, the Browns will head to Cincinnati for their final regular-season encounter, facing off against the Bengals in Week 18. This matchup is set to be a crucial conclusion to their regular season journey.