Browns Freeze In Defeat, Eliminated In 17-10 Loss To Saints

New Orleans Saints v Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 24: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter of the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.Photo: Nick Cammett/Getty Images

In one of the coldest games in team history the Cleveland Browns lost the New Orleans Saints, 17-10, and are officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The Saints, a dome-team, without leading wide receivers Chris Olave, Jarvis Landry, and Michael Thomas due to injury, outrushed the Browns, 152 yards to 124, lead by running back Alvin Kamara with 20 carries for 76 yards, and utility player Taysom Hill with nine rushes for 56 yards. Quarterback Andy Dalton, completed 8 of 15 passes for 92 yards, but threw a second-quarter interception to help set up the Browns' first score. After picking up a first down, Deshaun Watson, who completed 15 of 31 passes for 135 yards, rushed for a 12-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put the Browns ahead 7-0. On the following, after the Saints went three-and-out the Browns sustained a 17-play, 60-yard drive ending in a 30-yard field goal to extend their lead to 10-0, but allowed the Saints to kick one at the end of the half for a 10-3 lead.

The Saints started the second half with possession and scored on a Taysom Hill touchdown run for New Orleans to tie the game at 10. Near the end of the third quarter Daniel Sorenson intercepted Deshaun Watson and reached the Browns' 15-yard line to set up Alvin Kamara's touchdown run, and a 17-10 lead. After both teams exchanged two scoreless drives, the Browns began their final drive down 17-10 with roughly five minutes left in the fourth quarter. The offense marched down the field on 18 plays and reached the Saints' 15-yard line, but after three straight incomplete passes, Watson took a sack to seal the defeat.

Despite the loss, Nick Chubb lead the Browns' ground game with 24 carries for 92 yards, and Amari Cooper had a game-high six catches for 72 yards. However, the defense failed to record a sack and had one tackle for loss throughout the contest.

Now eliminated from playoff contention, the Browns (6-9) will play the first of their final two games, each on the road, against the Washington Commanders (7-7-1) on New Year's Day at 1:00 PM.


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