Deshaun Watson threw for 308 yards on Sunday, October 25, his first 300-yard passing game since joining Cleveland, and the Browns held on for a 27-24 win over the Tennessee Titans to improve to 5-2 on the season.
Watson completed 25 of 36 passes with one interception and added 19 rushing yards and a touchdown on three carries. Cleveland led 17-14 at halftime, watched Tennessee tie the game at 17, and then answered with 10 crucial points to escape with the road win.
Running back Quinshon Judkins led the Browns on the ground with 17 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns, while Dylan Sampson added 45 yards on six carries. KC Concepcion paced the receivers with eight catches for 129 yards, and Harold Fannin Jr. caught six passes for 91 yards.
The win was another fourth-quarter escape for a Cleveland team that has exceeded expectations this season, building one of the best records in the AFC behind a healthier Watson in his fifth season with the club and his healthiest campaign in years.
Fans took notice beyond the stadium. Akron native LeBron James celebrated the result on social media after the final whistle, posting a short message with a pair of dog emojis as the Browns finished off the win.
Cleveland’s start has put the Browns in the middle of the AFC playoff picture as the schedule turns toward November, with the offense showing the balance between Watson’s passing and a productive rushing attack that had been missing in recent seasons.
The Browns stay on the road next, traveling to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 on Sunday, November 1, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET.
Photo: Erik Drost, CC BY