New Browns quarterback Joe Flacco played well for much of Sunday’s game against the Rams.
But Flacco’s worst pass of the day especially cost Los Angeles a 36-19 victory over Cleveland.
The Browns were trailing 20-19 and had just gotten the ball back when the defense was forced to punt. However, on the first play of the possession, Flacco threw an errant deep ball to Elijah Moore, which was easily intercepted by former Cleveland safety John Johnson. Johnson returned the pass to Cleveland’s 24-yard line, giving him great field position and starting Los Angeles’ offense.
A few plays later, Cooper Kupp caught a 3-yard touchdown with 3:48 remaining, making the score 27-19.
Trailing by eight points, the Browns were unable to capitalize on any chances to tie the game. Flacco’s pass over the middle to No. 4 and No. 5 David Njoku fell incomplete, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Kyren Williams scored a 1-yard touchdown just after the two-minute warning to stop the game.
Aaron Donald then added a safety to put Cherry on top and sack Flacco in the end zone with 36 seconds left.
In his second game back from an ankle injury, Williams rushed for 88 yards on 21 carries. He also caught three passes for 24 yards and helped pace the offense.
Matthew Stafford completed 22 of 37 for 279 yards and three TDs.
Receiver Puka Nacua had four catches for 105 yards and a TD. He made his first 12-yard catch in the first quarter, setting a single-season rookie record for receiving yards. He also added 34 yards on two carries. If he hadn’t been wiped out by the hold and had made another big run, he could have scored more points. He was able to shake off cramps and damage to his ribs to finish the match.
Cooper Kupp (six catches, 39 yards) and DeMarcus Robinson (four catches, 55 yards) also had TDs for Los Angeles.
Things started off well for the Browns, with Flacco pushing his team down the field for a touchdown. He scored a 24-yard touchdown to running back Jerome Ford, giving the club a 7-0 lead.
The Rams scored 10 more points. Lukas Havrisik made a 44-yard field goal and Nacua caught a 70-yard TD.
Robinson’s 7-yard touchdown gave the Rams a 20-13 lead late in the third quarter, then Cleveland right end Harrison Bryant’s 8-yard touchdown would have tied it. However, Dustin Hopkins missed the extra point, and LA held a one-point lead.
In the end, that was all the club needed.
Flacco finished 23-of-44 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and an expensive pick. Kareem Hunt led the way with 48 yards on 12 carries. Elijah Moore had his best game as a Brown player, catching four passes for 83 yards.
With the win, the Rams are now 6-6, winning their third straight and moving back into the thick of NFC playoff contention. They will face another tough AFC North game on the road when they visit the Ravens next week.
The Browns have lost both games of their West Coast road swing and are now 7-5. But they may have found a solution at quarterback in veteran Flacco. Cleveland hosts Jacksonville in Week 14.