CLEVELAND, OH — In a game filled with dramatic turns, the Cleveland Browns clinched a narrow 20-17 win against the Chicago Bears at home on Sunday. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, making his third start for the Browns, orchestrated a 10-point fourth-quarter comeback, culminating in Dustin Hopkins’ decisive 34-yard field goal with 32 seconds remaining.
Flacco’s performance was pivotal, especially in the fourth quarter, where he amassed 212 of his total 374 passing yards. Despite throwing three interceptions earlier in the game, he showcased his experience and composure by connecting on a crucial 51-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper, tying the game at 17-17.
The Browns, now 9-5, have become adept at winning close games, with six of their victories coming by four points or fewer. Their resilience was on full display as they overcame a multitude of challenges, including injuries and lineup changes.
The game’s final play was a heart-stopping moment. With no time left, Bears quarterback Justin Fields launched a Hail Mary pass from the 45-yard line. The ball, after being batted down by Browns defenders, almost landed in the hands of Bears receiver Darnell Mooney, who was lying on his back. However, the ball slipped through his hands, and Browns safety D’Anthony Bell secured the interception, averting a dramatic upset.
The Bears, falling to 5-8, held a 17-7 lead but couldn’t sustain their momentum in the face of Cleveland’s late surge. Chicago’s Josh Norris contributed a goal and an assist, but the team’s efforts were not enough to secure a victory.
Cleveland’s success is noteworthy, considering they have been playing without key players like starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and star running back Nick Chubb. In addition, they suffered the loss of five regulars to season-ending injuries just this week.
Flacco, a former Baltimore Raven, has quickly endeared himself to the Cleveland faithful, throwing for 939 yards in three games. His resilience after making mistakes was a crucial factor in the Browns’ comeback.
For the Browns, tight end David Njoku had a career-high 10 catches for 104 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown. Cooper’s four receptions for 109 yards also significantly contributed to the win.
The Browns faced further adversity with injuries to key players, including offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Dawand Jones, safety Grant Delpit, defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio also exited the game in the first quarter with a back injury.
Looking ahead, the Bears will host Arizona on December 24, while the Browns visit Houston on the same day, as both teams continue their respective campaigns. For Cleveland, this victory is a testament to their adaptability and determination in a season marked by unexpected twists and challenges.
