The margin of victory is slim in the NFL, and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has consistently put an emphasis on flushing last week's results and moving on to going 1-0 the following week.
"We obviously accomplished our goal this last week yesterday, but we have to do that again this week against another good team," Stefanski said on Monday, the day after the Browns won their first game of the season 18-13 over Jacksonville.
Before we move on to the Browns' upcoming matchup against the Giants (0-2), let's take a look at three key sequences that played a major role in the Browns landing on the right side of the win/loss column on Sunday.
Corey Bojorquez and the perfectly placed punt
Punters are not often among the most celebrated players after a win, but P Corey Bojorquez made his mark on Sunday's game. Bojorquez landed three of five punts inside the 10-yard line, all in the fourth quarter.
His second-to-last punt painted a beautiful picture of complimentary football, landing the ball inside the 2-yard line to set up a safety on the next play from DE Alex Wright.
"When you know you have a punter like Corey, it works in our favor and he showed up big for us again on Sunday," S Rodney McLeod Jr. said. "I think he called it one of the best punts of his life and of his career, where he set us up for a very timely punt – and we know what happened after that."
After the offense stalled at the Jacksonville 41-yard line, McLeod went up to CB and special teams player Mike Ford Jr., telling him to make a play. As it turns out, Ford didn't need to, as Bojorquez's punt landed right at the goal line and bounced to the right to force Jacksonville to play from their own end zone.
"Corey took it upon himself, he must have felt some type of way and said, 'You know, I'm just gonna get it done myself,'" McLeod said. 'But, man, great guy. It doesn't surprise me because the way he shows up and works every day."
The Browns pass rush, led by a pressure from DE Myles Garrett and Wright's follow-through on the sack, earned a two-point cushion that proved to seal the game for Cleveland.
Jacksonville had the ball with 1:27 remaining in the game, once again starting from behind their own 10-yard line after another strong punt from Bojorquez.
The Jaguars drove to the Cleveland 33-yard line after QB Trevor Lawrence connected with receivers Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. Without the safety, Cleveland would have had a three-point lead, and the Jaguars would have likely attempted the 50-yard field goal to tie the game.
Instead, they were forced to attempt a Hail Mary that was well defended by Cleveland, who secured the win once the ball hit the ground.
"It made it a little entertaining, I guess you would say, what transpired," McLeod said of the Hail Mary attempt. "But we did our job. Did what we needed to do."
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) and Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Fourth down conversions lead to points
While the Browns struggled throughout the game to convert on third down, going just 2 for 14, they were successful on all three of their fourth down tries – and all led to points for the Browns.
QB Jameis Winston was on the field for each of the Browns' three fourth down attempts, all of which required just one yard for the first down.
The first attempt came in the second quarter, with FB/C Nick Harris checking in to provide a push to get Winston over the line to gain the first down. The drive ended with a field goal from K Dustin Hopkins, who hit all three of his attempts.
Cleveland's second fourth down attempt came in their final drive of the second half. Winston and the Browns lined up in a near identical formation to their previous attempt, and it appeared that they were running another quarterback sneak. Instead, Winston dropped back and handed the ball off to RB Jerome Ford, who sped down the sideline for a 36-yard gain to set up another successful field goal.
"He's a great leader, man," Ford said of Winston. "We make a joke, when he calls up plays it sounds like he got a surprise to tell."
The Jaguars defense looked like the one who had been surprised when Ford took the ball – picking up a block from LG Joel Bitonio on the way to the big gain.
The Browns final fourth down conversion didn't directly result in points for the offense, but Winston's 2-yard quarterback sneak at the Jacksonville 26 preceded Bojorquez's punt. After penalties pushed the Browns out of field goal range following the successful fourth down attempt, Bojorquez was in position for his 39-yard punt.
Check out photos of the Browns against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) and Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Red zone defense keeps points off the board for Jacksonville
Despite reaching the red zone four times in Sunday's game, Jacksonville scored just one touchdown and two field goals as Cleveland's defense made explosive plays when backed up into their own territory.
After Lawrence took off for a 33-yard scramble – the longest run of his career – it appeared Jacksonville would find the end zone facing a fresh set of downs at the Cleveland 2-yard line.
However, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah surged through the offensive line to bring down RB Travis Etienne for a 2-yard loss on first down. On the following play, late pressure from LB Jordan Hicks forced an incompletion from Lawrence and on third down, the Cleveland secondary held up and Lawrence was unable to find an open receiver.
On the Jaguars' second trip to the red zone, S Grant Delpit came up with a tackle for loss on Etienne and Garrett sacked Lawrence on the next play. Lawrence fumbled and the Jaguars recovered the loose ball for a 9-yard loss. K Cam Little missed his field goal attempt on fourth down.
The Jaguars only touchdown of the day came after a 66-yard completion to Thomas Jr., setting up Etienne's eventual 4-yard score.
Jacksonville scored another touchdown on their following possession, but an illegal shift penalty nullified the play. Instead, Cleveland forced back-to-back incompletions to hold the Jaguars to a field goal.
The Browns pass rush played a major factor in pressuring Lawrence in the pocket to force incomplete passes in the red zone.
"The defensive line is our engine," McLeod said. "We're an attack-style team and so, every single play we have it on our mind to make the quarterback uncomfortable. That was one of the objectives this week, it was to disrupt the quarterback, make him feel uncomfortable. And I think we did that a lot, which contributed to the win."
