In a dramatic turn of events that shook the NFL’s day, the Cleveland Browns staged an epic comeback against the Green Bay Packers, sealing a 13-10 victory with a 55-yard field goal in the last second. The match, which is shaping up to be the biggest upset of the season, saw the winless Browns overcome the Packers, who started as favorites.
The game was decided in the last four minutes, with the Browns overcoming a 10-point deficit thanks to a combination of key plays.
Sometimes, like today, things don’t go as expected. This happens to the best teams. Even Super Bowl champions make mistakes and pay for them.
Micah Parsons, Packers playerParsons, in part, blamed himself for two offside penalties, the second of which occurred on the first play of the Browns’ winning drive. “I apologize for my actions,” the player stated.
However, the final result was the product of multiple factors. Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt that would have given the Packers the lead. Subsequently, Andre Szmyt, the Browns’ kicker, converted the game-winning 55-yard field goal.
The interception by Packers quarterback Jordan Love, with 3:08 remaining on the clock and the score 10-3 in favor of Green Bay, was also crucial. Love admitted to not having seen safety Grant Delpit on the pass.
Harris’s block was not a total surprise, as the Packers knew his ability to block kicks. Packers kicker Brandon McManus believed the ball was high enough to go in.
After the block, Browns cornerback Greg Newsome recovered the ball.
Everything can be perfect and still not succeed… but everything went perfectly.
Shelby Harris, Browns player
With 21 seconds remaining, the Browns advanced 16 yards, fueled by Parsons’ penalty, setting up Szmyt’s attempt.Quarterback Joe Flacco completed an 8-yard pass to David Njoku on third down, setting the stage for Szmyt to attempt the winning field goal.
For Szmyt, it was a chance for redemption after a complicated period. The kicker, who competed in the UFL before joining the Browns, revealed that his mother passed away in July. Szmyt beat out Dustin Hopkins in training camp, but missed an extra point and a field goal attempt in the Browns’ loss to the Bengals in the first week.
I’m just trying to stay calm. I trust my process.
Andre Szmyt, Browns kicker
On the Packers’ side, Parsons’ penalties were part of a larger problem. They committed 14 in total, their most since Week 3 of the 2010 season. Packers coach Matt LaFleur emphasized the need to improve fundamentals and reduce penalties.
