After the uncertainty throughout the week about who would start at quarterback, veteran QB Joe Flacco took the field for the second consecutive week. And the veteran bounced back, as he led Cleveland to a 31-27 win over the Jaguars and snapped Jacksonville's undefeated road record this season.
The Browns move to 8-5 on the season and put a halt to a two-game skid.
Key Moments:
The Browns excelled on both sides of the ball Sunday.
With less than 2 minutes left in the game, the Jaguars attempted a two-point conversion while down four points. The Browns defense came up with a critical stop, as they sacked QB Trevor Lawrence, and the two-point conversion failed.
It sealed a strong day for the Browns defensively across the board. To open up the fourth quarter, CB Greg Newsome II intercepted Lawrence's deep pass, and set the Browns offense up for a touchdown. Following the interception, on a fourth-and-3, Flacco connected with WR David Bell in the open field for a 41-yard touchdown pass, which gave the Browns a 28-14 lead.
To start the second half, LB Anthony Walker Jr. forced a fumble and recovered the ball to set the Browns up in the red zone. The Browns took advantage of the field position, as RB Kareem Hunt ran for 4 yards for the touchdown to put the Browns up 21-7.
And with less than 2 minutes before the end of the first half, CB Martin Emerson Jr. picked off his second pass of the day and returned the interception for 11 yards. Emerson intercepted a pass on the Jaguars' first offensive drive of the second quarter as well.
The Browns had a few key turnovers, however. In the third quarter, Flacco was sacked and fumbled the ball, which the Jaguars recovered to put them in the red zone. The Jaguars capitalized and scored a touchdown on a 1-yard carry from RB Travis Etienne Jr. to put the Jaguars down just one touchdown.
Then, in the second quarter, Flacco completed a pass to WR Amari Cooper for 19 yards, but the ball was fumbled, and the Jaguars recovered. On the second play of the ensuing drive, Lawrence connected with TE Evan Engram for a touchdown.
Even with the turnovers, the Browns offense found enough success offensively in the passing game. During the second quarter, Flacco connected with TE David Njoku for his second touchdown of the day on a 30-yard pass completion. It began early on the opening drive of the game, as Flacco moved the Browns downfield by connecting with his pass catchers. Then, he found Njoku open for a 34-yard pass completion, who ran into the end zone for the touchdown.
Players of the Game:
CB Martin Emerson Jr.
Emerson's two interceptions in the second quarter ended two threatening drives for the Jaguars. He also defended a pass in the first quarter, forcing the Jaguars to punt. Emerson finished the day with two tackles for loss, two interceptions and three passes defended.
TE David Njoku
Njoku excelled on Sunday, as he scored two touchdowns off catches from Flacco. It was Njoku's first multi-touchdown game of his career. Njoku finished the game with 91 receiving yards on six receptions and two touchdowns. His longest reception of the day was for 34 yards on his first touchdown.
Stat of the Game:
Flacco threw for over 300 yards on Sunday. He finished the game completing 26-of-45 passes for 311 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
What does it mean?
Sunday's performance from the defense was exactly what they needed after the last two weeks. They asserted their dominance against the Jaguars, pressuring Lawrence and recording four sacks. They defended passes well as well as intercepted two of Lawrence's passes, keeping the Jaguars from working their way downfield and in scoring position. It was the bounce back they needed, especially to open up the two-game home stand.
It was also an important performance from the offense with Flacco at the helm. With his first start in Cleveland Browns Stadium, Flacco elevated the passing game, connecting with eight different pass catchers for 307 net passing yards. They played to the strength of Flacco's arm, as they moved the ball downfield and found the end zone three times with passing touchdowns. It was an important step for the offense to find success in the passing game and involving multiple players across the board, especially against a Jaguars pass defense that has struggled this season that heading into Sunday's matchup had given up 19 passing touchdowns.
What's next?
The Browns will host the Bears at Cleveland Browns Stadium next Sunday at 1 p.m.
Check out photos of the Browns against the Jaguars in Week 14
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (5) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (5) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) and Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cleveland Browns Stadium during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Tony Fields II (42) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (5) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) and Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (28) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Kareem Hunt (27) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (5) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Kareem Hunt (27) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (28) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Kareem Hunt (27) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Kareem Hunt (27) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Fullback/Center Nick Harris (53) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Kareem Hunt (27) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
