EAST RUTHERFORD — The Cleveland Browns saw their three-game winning streak come to a frustrating end Sunday afternoon, falling 17-12 to the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Cleveland took its first lead midway through the fourth quarter, but a disastrous late-game sequence handed New York the opportunity to reclaim the lead and escape with the victory.
The Jets struck first when quarterback Geno Smith connected with Garrett Wilson for a 32-yard touchdown with 9:17 remaining in the opening quarter. Cleveland responded with a 12-play, 67-yard drive, but settled for a 25-yard Andre Szmyt field goal after stalling inside the Jets' 10-yard line.
Cleveland's offense continued to struggle in the second quarter, although another Szmyt field goal, this time from 41 yards, cut New York's lead to 7-6. Neither offense managed much afterward, and the Jets carried their one-point advantage into halftime.
The Browns also lost receiver KC Concepcion to a head injury following a hit by Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the first quarter. Fitzpatrick had already been penalized for a facemask against Concepcion earlier in the same possession, adding to an eventful and unfortunate sequence for Cleveland's rookie receiver.
The Browns had opportunities to change the game in the third quarter, but their offense remained ineffective. Cleveland's defense delivered one of its biggest plays when Quincy Williams forced a fumble from Jets receiver Kenan Sadiq near the goal line, with Ronnie Hickman recovering at the Cleveland 7-yard line. Unfortunately, the Browns followed that takeaway with another punt.
New York extended its lead to 10-6 early in the fourth quarter on a 54-yard field goal from Jason Sanders, but Cleveland finally put together its best offensive possession of the afternoon.
Starting at their own 14-yard line, the Browns marched 86 yards in nine plays, with Deshaun Watson connecting with rookie Denzel Boston for a 29-yard touchdown with 6:15 remaining. Szmyt missed the extra point off the right upright, leaving Cleveland ahead 12-10.
The Browns appeared to be in excellent position when linebacker Carson Schwesinger sacked Smith and forced a fumble that Adin Huntington recovered with 4:20 remaining. Cleveland took possession near midfield with an opportunity to protect its narrow lead, but its next possession ended disastrously.
New York regained possession at the Cleveland 23-yard line with 4:01 remaining and needed just three plays to capitalize. Braelon Allen broke loose for a 22-yard touchdown run with 3:01 remaining, restoring the Jets' lead at 17-12.
Cleveland had two more possessions but couldn't mount a comeback. Watson was sacked on the first, forcing a punt, and the Browns' final opportunity ended when Will McDonald IV stripped Watson on fourth down and recovered the fumble with 57 seconds remaining.
The loss drops Cleveland to 3-2, while New York improves to 2-3.
For a Browns team that had built momentum with three consecutive victories, Sunday's game was particularly disappointing. Cleveland's defense repeatedly provided opportunities, but the offense struggled to sustain drives, and costly mistakes ultimately turned a winnable game into a loss.
What's Next
The Browns return home Sunday, October 18, to face the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
