Pre-Game Insights

Browns (2-0) came into today's game looking to finish their preseason on a high note. Cleveland also comes into the game having allowed fewer than 20 points in 14 straight preseason matchups, making it the longest active streak.

Atlanta enters the game (0-2) looking to get in the win column before the regular season begins.

Picture via recordcourier.com

All Browns at the Half

Receiving the opening kickoff, the Browns would begin their quest to a perfect preseason. This journey however would start slowly as their first drive would end with a turnover on downs after going for it on fourth.

Cleveland's next drive would be their best drive of the game. Mounting 80 yards in just 6 plays the drive would end with a Baker Mayfield pass deep left to Khadarel Hodge for a 22-yard touchdown.

Following the touchdown, the Falcons would have a chance to even the score to end the first. Feleipe Franks, starting QB for the Falcons, would begin the drive at their own 25. After a slow start to the drive, facing a 4th and 1, Franks takes the snap rolling right then loads up a pass deep right to Chris Rowland for 21 yards as well as a new set of downs. Franks and the Falcons would move the ball another 26 yards into Cleveland territory before eventually stalling out.

Younghoe Koo coming into the game for the Falcons would line up and nail his 41-yard attempt putting the Falcons on the board.

Emulating the first, the second started slow for Cleveland. Case Keenum now in the game for the Browns, would drive the offense downfield into the red zone. After being stood up 3 times at the goal line, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski would elect to go for it on 4th and goal at the 3. Keenum in shotgun takes the snap and looks right to D'Ernest Johnson. Keenum's pass would fall incomplete leaving the Falcons to take over at their own 3-yard line.

Avoiding a safety, the Falcons would go 3 and out punting the ball away. Cleveland taking over already in the plus territory would only be able to muster 27 yards. The 9-play drive would stall out resulting in a 32-field goal by Chase McLaughlin.

After forcing another Falcons punt, the Browns would take over with 1:44 left to play in the half. Cleveland's offense would move the ball into scoring position with 4 seconds remaining. Chase McLaughlin's number was called to attempt a lofty 57-yard field goal if made would be his personal best. McLaughlin hits the ball beautifully, the kick seemingly looking like it's going in, runs out of steam, and bounces of the bottom crossbar leaving the score 10-3 Cleveland at the half.

Browns Defense Stands Tall

Atlanta received the second-half kickoff looking to improve on their performance. In for the Falcons at QB, was former 10th overall pick, Josh Rosen. After taking over on their own 27, Rosen would fumble the snap recovered by Jordan Elliot of Cleveland.

Cleveland taking over in the best field position they had all night failed to get the ball into the endzone. McLaughlin for the third time tonight would march onto the field and put Cleveland on the board, making the score 13-3 Cleveland.

After the McLaughlin field goal, Atlanta had to get something going if they wanted any chance at winning. Starting from their own 26, Rosen would push the ball into enemy territory very methodically. Finally getting in a "goal to go" situation Rosen from the 1 loses 9 yards on a Tegray Scales sack. Now at the 10-yard line, the next two plays would result in incompletions.

Facing a 4th and goal from the 10 first-year head coach Arthur Smith elects to go for it. Rosen in shotgun takes the snap and looks right throwing yet another incompletion and ending a very promising drive.

Cleveland took over at their own 10, would drive 71 yards into plus territory looking to widen the score. After receiving a new set of downs, Kyle Lauletta in at QB for Cleveland would look back to throw. Getting hit as Lauletta lets go of the ball, Kobe Jones for the Falcons comes up with the interception and begins running for the endzone.

Not being aware of his surroundings and holding the ball very carelessly Jones gets tackled from behind by Cleveland's Jordan Franks forcing a fumble. Browns' Coby Gosset is able to recover the fumble as well as retain possession for Cleveland.

With nine seconds remaining in the third, Lauletta again drops back to throw and again throws an interception this time to Dwayne Johnson. Johnson again puts the ball on the ground for the Falcons, this time however Atlanta is able to fall on it.

Picture via timesreporter

 Browns Hold Off Atlanta Comeback

Atlanta, after forcing the turnover would start the 4th on their own 48. Rosen still in for the Falcons begins the best drive of the night for Atlanta. Moving the ball 45 yards in 6 plays, Rosen in shotgun snaps the ball looks left. It finds Juwan Green for a 7-yard touchdown, making the score 13-10 Cleveland.

Following the score by Atlanta was a punt by the Browns and another turnover on downs by the Falcons. This gave Cleveland possession on Atlanta's 41-yard line.

Starting at the 41, Kyle Lauletta and the Browns would begin what would be the last scoring drive of the night. Amounting 31 yards in 7 plays Cleveland was facing a 3rd and 5 at the Atlanta 10. In shotgun Lauletta receives the snap-looking left and fires towards Davion Davis. Davis climbs the ladder and catches the ball in the endzone bringing the score to 19-10 and grounding the Falcons comeback attempt.

Post-Game

Baker Mayfield looking ready to build upon last year's performance would finish 6/10 for 113 and a touchdown. Chase McLaughlin finished his night kicking 2/3 with a long of 32.

Josh Rosen trying to find his place in the league finished 9/18 for 118 yards as well as a score. The 4th overall pick and promising prospect Kyle Pitts had just 1 catch tonight for 27 yards.

Looking Ahead

Cleveland, looking to finish what they started last year, heads to Kansas City where they will look to get their revenge after losing to the Chiefs in a highly contested playoff bout. That game will be played Sunday, Sept. 12 at 4:25 p.m.

Atlanta looking to improve from a disappointing 2020 hosts the Eagles Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.