Cleveland Browns suffer heartbreaking loss in overtime to Tennessee Titans - Post Game Recap

Cleveland suffered a heart breaking overtime loss today by the score 12-9, adding insult to injury following Joe Thomas’ game-ending injury in the second half. Thomas’ 11 year consecutive snap streak as ended at a record 10,363 straight snaps after he hurt his tricep, while still dominating his opponent.

The first half started slow with a Tennessee Field Goal followed by a Browns 3 and out. After forcing a quick Tennessee punt, the Browns drove from their own 6 yd line for the remainder of the first quarter. After penetrating opposing territory in the 2nd quarter, Cleveland then proceeded to eliminate their scoring opportunity with a series of bone-headed penalties. On the next drive, Christian Kirksey forced a fumble on Delanie Walker and Ibraheim Campbell, starting in place of injured Jabrill Peppers recovers leading to a Browns FG. Tennessee responded with a 70 yd drive, stopped just short of TD by a tightening Browns Defense. Running a 2-minute drill, Cleveland drove the length of the field so that Kizer could throw an inaccurate interception at the Titan’s 7 yd line.

In the second half, Kizer started with an early interception in Cleveland territory. The defense made a spectacular goal line stand, and Hue Jackson proceeded to bench Kizer for Cody Kessler. The Browns marched down the field to tie the game with a Field Goal. The Titans responded with a FG of their own. Despite a Cody Kessler interception, the Browns managed to tie the game with 47 seconds remaining, ultimately launching the match into overtime.

In overtime, Cleveland won the coin toss and went 3 and out in their first drive. After narrowly keeping Tennessee out of FG range the Browns were backed deep into their own territory. Questionable play calling and a sack of Cody Kessler kept the Browns from moving down the field, and the Titans took advantage of their improved field position. After being stopping Tennessee within Field Goal range, Hue Jackson chose to ice Titans kicker Ryan Succup just as he missed his “practice” kick. He proceeded to drill the “real” kick through the uprights winning the game for the Titans.

Key Stats:

Penalties:

Cleveland - 12/81 yds

Tennessee - 5/35 yds

Deshonne Kizer: 12/20 - 104 yds, 2 INTs

Christian Kirksey: 8 tackles, 9 assists - 1 FF