Deshaun Watson showcased his dual-threat capabilities, running for a touchdown and throwing for 186 yards, propelling the Cleveland Browns to a thrilling 18-13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Dustin Hopkins was crucial, booting three critical field goals, while Alex Wright delivered a game-changing safety for Cleveland (1-1). The Browns exhibited resilience, converting all three of their fourth-down opportunities on a humid afternoon.
Despite the Jaguars’ (0-2) efforts, including a spirited touchdown run by Travis Etienne Jr. and a strong showing from Trevor Lawrence who threw for 220 yards by completing 14 of 30 passes, Jacksonville fell short. This marks their seventh loss in the last eight regular-season games.
The nail-biting moment came on the Jaguars’ final play. With possession on their own 10-yard line and just 1:27 remaining, Jacksonville made a desperate bid from Cleveland’s 33-yard line. However, Brenton Strange couldn’t haul in Lawrence’s end zone pass, sealing their fate.
Watson’s performance came just six days after a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault was filed against him. In 2022, Watson served an 11-game suspension due to two dozen sexual misconduct allegations.
In other injury news, Jacksonville’s tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) missed the game after a pregame warmup mishap, and Cleveland wide receiver David Bell (hip) was stretchered off early in the third quarter.
Jacksonville’s hopes reignited late in the third quarter when Lawrence made a deep connection with rookie Brian Thomas Jr. on a breathtaking 66-yard play to the Browns’ 6-yard line. Shortly after, Etienne’s 4-yard dash put Jaguars ahead, 16-10, with 1:11 left in the third quarter.
Cam Little’s 25-yard field goal narrowed the gap to 16-13 with 7:32 remaining in the game.
Cleveland dominated the first half, scoring on all three drives and maintaining possession for an impressive 20:08, securing a 13-3 advantage by halftime.
The Browns initiated the game with a grinding, 16-play, 89-yard drive lasting 9:14, culminating in Watson’s 1-yard touchdown with just 2:29 left in the first quarter.
A 53-yard field goal from Hopkins extended Cleveland’s lead to 10-3 at 9:52 in the second quarter. Jacksonville answered with a 22-yard field goal by Little with 4:44 left in the first half.
Hopkins wasn’t done, adding a 38-yard field goal with 27 seconds remaining in the half.
Cleveland further widened their lead to 16-3 with Hopkins’ 44-yard field goal at 10:20 in the third quarter. Jacksonville’s Cam Little attempted a 43-yard field goal five minutes later, but it ricocheted off the right upright.
The Browns’ determination and strategic execution on a sweltering afternoon secured their first win of the season, while the Jaguars continue to search for their first triumph.
