The Cleveland Browns nudged past the Los Angeles Rams with a last-second field goal to close out a perfect preseason record. Kicker Andre Szmyt, possibly Cleveland's new clutch performer, split the uprights with a 37-yard field goal as time drained from the clock, delivering a 19-17 victory in the team's preseason finale, WKYC reports.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley, signed on after a flurry of injuries in the Browns' camp, was pivotal in setting up the final drive. With only 2:08 left to play, Huntley's key plays, including a 9-yard scramble and an essential completion, helped the Browns cover 46 yards in six plays. This crucial decision to replace Shedeur Sanders, who earlier struggled during the second half, seemed to pay off for Cleveland—a twist in the tale which is certainly not unwelcome for a team polishing its edges right before the regular season's showdown begins, The Spec describes.
The QB shuffle showcased a contrast in performance levels Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel both orchestrated successful offensive drives earlier in the game, whereas Sanders' second-half appearance was marred by taking multiple sacks and ultimately being skipped over for the decisive final drive. Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed his decision to put Huntley in for the final drive as a team-based strategy, noting that no one player is wholly responsible for the offense's game play, according to The Spec.
The Browns showed proficiency in handling high-pressure scenarios, not once, but twice, with two-minute drills executed seamlessly both before the half and at the game's finale. Gabriel, a draft pick out of Oregon, particularly stood out in his 11-play, 86-yard touchdown drive that commanded attention with its swift and decisive plays. "I think he did a nice job in a couple of different concepts, worked the middle of the field but I was pleased with how that group finished the half," Stefanski praised, as highlighted by the Cleveland Browns' official site.
Injuries, unfortunately, did cast a shadow over the Browns' celebratory end to the preseason, with starting center Ethan Pocic and multiple other players leaving the game and facing evaluations. The full implications of these injuries on their regular-season availability remain uncertain. As for the Rams, their coaching staff gave a nod towards Dresser Winn's efforts, who, despite a shaky start, eventually found a rhythm and contributed a touchdown in the first half, reports The Spec.
