A victory would essentially put the Browns in firm control of their own playoff destiny.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — No doubt about it: This is the biggest game of the year so far.
The Browns are back south of the Mason-Dixon line this Sunday as they prepare to battle the Tennessee Titans. Both teams enter with identical 8-3 records, but while Tennessee went to the AFC Championship Game last season, Cleveland is still searching for national respect after years of futility.
A victory Sunday over the Titans would certainly go a long way towards shutting the naysayers up, and would essentially give the Browns firm control of their own playoff destiny. Cleveland also gets back several key players from the reserve/COVID-19 list, most notably star defensive end Myles Garrett.
Tennessee is led by All-Pro running back Derrick Henry, who is well on his way to his second straight rushing title. The Titans will be looking for a repeat of last year’s matchup with the Browns, when they rolled to a 43-13 win and derailed Cleveland’s promising season before it had even begun.
What follows is a drive-by-drive live blog of today’s action, with the most recent plays and updates closest to the top. Stay tuned for updates throughout the day on 3News and WKYC.com.
1ST QUARTER
7:51: On 4th-and-1 from the Cleveland 42, Mike Vrabel elects to go for it. However, Derrick Henry is stopped just short of the marker, and the Browns take over on downs.
10:43: Baker Mayfield leads the Browns downfield, but Donovan Peoples-Jones drops a sure touchdown pass. Cleveland settles for a 27-yard Cody Parkey field goal and takes an early 3-0 lead.