The Cleveland Browns stunned the Chicago Bears in a remarkable comeback, with Joe Flacco throwing for over 200 yards in the fourth quarter, totaling over 350 yards for the day. The Bears had the Browns' number for most of the game, keeping it far from easy. Flacco, after two early interceptions, grounded himself before delivering a stellar fourth-quarter performance.
Flacco's 212 yards in the fourth quarter set a record for the most by a Browns quarterback in any quarter over the last 45 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Info on Twitter. This game also marked the first time since 2013, when Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron achieved it, that the Browns had two receivers with over 100 yards in a game.
At 38, Joe Flacco seems to have found the fountain of youth, ranking as the fifth quarterback with the most passing yards in the first three games with a new team, totaling 939 yards in that stretch. Despite a nearly nonexistent run game, Coach Kevin Stefanski stuck to his guns, and Flacco's experience and veteran leadership proved crucial. Big plays from players like David Njoku and Amari Cooper down the stretch also played a significant role.
The defense deserves credit for going eight consecutive stops, providing the offense with multiple chances to put points on the board. The Browns faced adversity as they lost key players, including Joel Bitonio and Nick Harris, to injuries on the offensive line. However, the team's resilience and determination were on full display, overcoming obstacles.
Even down by 13 points, there was always a sense that the Browns could mount a comeback. Each drive showcased their determination, and Dustin Hopkins sealed the deal yet again with a field goal, leaving about 40 seconds on the clock.
Kevin Stefanski faced moments of scrutiny for his play-calling throughout the game. However, one decision stood out at the end when, he called a time after the bears ran a run player after giving themselves a little cushion as they were backed up in enndzone to start the drive. Justin Fields made a couple of great throws, putting the Bears in Browns territory and giving them one final shot at the endzone. On the last play, Fields' pass got batted in the air, found its way to Darnell Mooney's chest, but he dropped it, only for D'anthony Bell to secure it. Bell had arguably one of the biggest plays of the game a couple of drives before that making a HUGE tackle ona scrambling Fields.
The Browns' comeback sends a clear message to the NFL that nothing, not even injuries, will derail the special atmosphere brewing in their locker room.
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