NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Cleveland Browns have developed a remarkable habit of finding ways to win football games in the closing moments, and Sunday afternoon against the Tennessee Titans provided yet another example.
For the second consecutive week, kicker Andre Szmyt delivered a walk-off field goal as time expired, lifting Cleveland to a 27-24 victory over Tennessee at Nissan Stadium. The win improved the Browns to 5-2 on the season, keeping them atop the AFC North and continuing one of the franchise’s most promising starts in recent memory. (Cleveland Browns)
While Szmyt delivered the final points, quarterback Deshaun Watson once again orchestrated the drive that made it possible. With less than a minute remaining and the game tied, Watson marched Cleveland down the field to set up the winning kick, recording his fifth fourth-quarter game-winning drive of the season.
Through seven games, Cleveland has already established itself as one of the NFL’s most resilient teams, repeatedly finding success in situations where a single mistake could determine the outcome.
Another Walk-Off Winner for Andre Szmyt
With the score tied at 24 and the final seconds ticking away, Szmyt stepped onto the field facing a familiar situation.
The Browns needed a field goal to win, and their kicker had already demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure.
Szmyt connected from 32 yards as time expired, securing Cleveland’s fifth victory of the season and his third game-winning field goal of the year. It marked the second consecutive week that Szmyt ended a Browns game with a walk-off kick, following his 37-yard winner against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. (Yahoo Sports)
The finish was particularly significant considering Szmyt had missed a 43-yard attempt earlier in the fourth quarter, striking the right upright and giving Tennessee an opportunity to regain momentum.
Rather than allowing the miss to define his afternoon, Szmyt responded when Cleveland needed him most.
His emergence as a dependable late-game option has become an important component of the Browns’ success. In a season where close games have repeatedly determined Cleveland’s position in the standings, Szmyt has provided the finishing touch on several critical victories.
Deshaun Watson Continues Remarkable Late-Game Success
Although Szmyt has become a familiar face in Cleveland’s postgame celebrations, Watson’s performances in the closing minutes have been equally important.
Sunday’s victory marked Watson’s fifth game-winning drive of the season, meaning every one of Cleveland’s five victories has featured a fourth-quarter drive that put the Browns ahead for good.
According to the Browns, Watson joined Troy Aikman and Matthew Stafford as the only quarterbacks since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to record a game-winning drive in each of their team’s first five victories of a season. (Cleveland Browns)
Against Tennessee, Watson completed 25 of 36 passes for 308 yards, marking his first 300-yard passing performance since joining Cleveland. He also added a rushing touchdown, demonstrating his ability to contribute both through the air and on the ground.
His most important contribution, however, came during the game’s final minute.
After Tennessee tied the contest with 58 seconds remaining, Watson took possession needing to move the offense into field goal range with little time to spare.
The veteran quarterback responded by directing a four-play, 55-yard drive, highlighted by a 36-yard completion to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. that positioned Cleveland for the winning kick. (CBS Sports)
The sequence was another example of Watson’s growing confidence in high-pressure situations.
For a quarterback whose Cleveland tenure has featured considerable scrutiny and inconsistent performances, his ability to repeatedly deliver late in games has become one of the defining developments of the Browns’ season.
Browns Overcome Early Deficit Against Tennessee
Cleveland’s latest victory did not come without adversity.
Tennessee opened the afternoon aggressively, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions and putting the Browns in an early 14-0 hole.
Titans running back Tony Pollard proved particularly difficult to contain, finishing with 129 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His performance kept Tennessee competitive throughout the afternoon and nearly prevented Cleveland from securing another victory.
However, the Browns responded with 17 unanswered points before halftime, fueled by running back Quinshon Judkins and a defense that began creating opportunities.
Judkins finished with 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, providing Cleveland with a consistent presence in the running game. Cornerback Denzel Ward also delivered a critical interception in the second quarter, helping shift momentum in Cleveland’s favor. (Cleveland Browns)
After Tennessee tied the game at 17 in the fourth quarter, Watson led a 71-yard scoring drive that ended with his nine-yard touchdown run, putting Cleveland ahead 24-17 with 4:34 remaining.
The Titans refused to go away.
Pollard scored his third touchdown of the afternoon on a one-yard run with just 58 seconds remaining, tying the contest at 24 and seemingly positioning the game for overtime.
Instead, Watson and the Browns offense needed less than a minute to change the outcome.
Young Playmakers Continue to Make Their Presence Felt
Beyond the late-game heroics, Cleveland received encouraging contributions from several of its younger offensive players.
Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion delivered his best performance of the season, recording eight receptions for 129 yards and providing Watson with another reliable target.
Fannin continued his emergence as an important part of the offense, catching six passes for 91 yards. His 36-yard reception during Cleveland’s final possession was arguably the most important offensive play of the afternoon, directly setting up Szmyt’s winning attempt. (CBS Sports)
Combined with Judkins’ production in the backfield, Cleveland’s younger offensive contributors are beginning to provide the balance necessary to complement Watson’s improved performances.
The Browns finished with 491 total yards of offense, another encouraging indication that the unit is capable of producing beyond its late-game possessions.
Cleveland Remains Atop the AFC North
At 5-2, the Browns have matched their best seven-game start since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999.
More importantly, Cleveland remains in first place in the AFC North, continuing to establish itself as a legitimate contender in a division where every victory carries significant importance. (Cleveland Browns)
The Browns have now won five of their last six games, building momentum behind a combination of timely defensive plays, an improving offense and an unusual ability to execute in the final minutes.
Still, Cleveland’s repeated reliance on late-game comebacks presents an interesting question moving forward.
While the Browns have demonstrated an impressive ability to handle pressure, consistently playing close games leaves little room for error. Against stronger opponents, early deficits and missed opportunities could become increasingly difficult to overcome.
Nevertheless, winning close games is an essential characteristic of successful NFL teams, and Cleveland has demonstrated that ability repeatedly through the first seven weeks.
A Different Feeling Surrounding the Browns
There is something noticeably different about the way Cleveland has approached the closing moments of games this season.
A year ago, a late opposing touchdown or an early two-score deficit might have been enough to raise serious concerns about the Browns’ ability to recover.
Now, the offense has repeatedly shown that it can respond.
Watson’s five game-winning drives are more than an impressive individual statistic. They represent a developing confidence within an offense that has consistently executed when the stakes are highest.
Szmyt’s three game-winning field goals have provided the finishing touch, giving Cleveland a reliable option when drives reach the opponent’s territory.
Together, the quarterback and kicker have become central figures in one of the NFL’s most unexpected early-season success stories.
The Browns have not necessarily made winning look easy, but through seven games, they have made it a habit.
And with Cleveland continuing to hold its position atop the AFC North, the ability to deliver when the clock is running out could prove to be one of the most important factors in determining how far this team can go.
