PHILADELPHIA — Nick Sirianni, perhaps feeling the sting of Eagles fans chanting for his firing, couldn’t keep quiet in the final moments of the game. The Philadelphia coach, known for his trash-talking, gestured to fans in the front rows at Lincoln Financial Field. After the Eagles managed a narrow four-point victory over the struggling Browns, Sirianni seized the moment to engage with the crowd, despite ongoing debates about his job security and his lack of popularity in Philadelphia.
“Just excited to get the win,” Sirianni said. “Appreciate the Linc support.”
He surely appreciated the performance of the Eagles' offense more. Jalen Hurts threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns, including a pivotal 45-yard pass to DeVonta Smith in the fourth quarter, leading Philadelphia to a 20-16 victory over Cleveland. Hurts also connected with A.J. Brown for a 22-yard touchdown, both wide receivers returning from injury. Their health is crucial if the Eagles hope to make a deep postseason run.
Coming off a bye week, the inconsistent Eagles (3-2) struggled against the Browns (1-5) in front of a mostly apathetic crowd. Before Smith's touchdown, fans only showed enthusiasm when they called for Sirianni’s firing.
Several players told Sirianni, “We need you back, Nick. We need your energy. We need your focus.”
Hurts echoed that sentiment, saying, “I encourage him to be himself. That's who he is.”
As the game wound down, the Browns, trailing 20-13, drove into Eagles territory but settled for a 31-yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins. Deshaun Watson was forced out of bounds just shy of the end zone and threw an incomplete pass on third down.
With 3:54 left, the Eagles took possession and held onto the ball, with Hurts connecting with Brown for a crucial 40-yard gain to seal the game. Sirianni, who promised changes following the bye week, made a visible one by shaving his head.
On the field, however, the Eagles resembled the same team that had struggled earlier this season, neutralizing Browns running back Saquon Barkley and failing to get Hurts in sync with his star receivers, while execution, particularly on special teams, was lacking.
Fortunately for the Eagles, they faced the Browns. Watson's poor performance only amplified calls for the team’s $230 million quarterback to be benched. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 168 yards, and the Browns continued their trend of failing to score an offensive touchdown, not reaching 20 points in any game this season.
“We're putting ourselves in the danger zone for not accomplishing what we want to accomplish,” Watson said.
Cleveland's only touchdown came from a blocked field goal by All-Pro Myles Garrett, which Rodney McLeod Jr. scooped up and returned for a touchdown. Watson was sacked three times and managed just 49 passing yards in the first half.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who decided to retain play-calling duties last week, has remained committed to Watson, even as the team struggles to replicate last year’s playoff run under then-backup Joe Flacco.
“I know the guys are fighting like crazy, and I appreciate that, but we've got to find a way to get a win against a good opponent,” Stefanski said. “We had our opportunities and did not come through.”
Brown, back from a hamstring injury, had six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, while Smith recorded three catches for 64 yards after returning from a concussion.
“I haven't played football in a month, so I need to focus on the little things,” Brown said. “I need to make sure I'm really running instead of just looking up for the ball.”
The game began with a scoreless first quarter for the fifth time this season until Jake Elliott kicked a 49-yard field goal. The Eagles found some offensive rhythm on their next drive, with Hurts connecting with Grant Calcaterra for 34 yards, then Brown for 16 yards, and finally, a 22-yard touchdown pass to Brown to take a 10-0 lead.
The Browns responded with a 43-yard field goal by Hopkins, narrowing the score to 10-3. As the Eagles seemed to be nursing a lead heading into halftime, Elliott lined up for a 57-yard field goal, but Garrett blocked the kick, allowing McLeod to scoop the ball and score a touchdown, tying the game at 10-10 with 14 seconds left in the half.
Frustrated Eagles fans booed the team off the field and erupted into chants of “Fire Nick!” while those watching at home speculated on social media about the possibility of a halftime firing.
“We thrive off the crowd when they cheer for us. That's all I'll say,” Sirianni noted.
Injuries
Browns: Center Nick Harris was carted off with an ankle injury on the opening drive. Third-stringer Michael Dunn replaced him. Running back Jerome Ford also suffered a hamstring injury. Harris started only because starter Ethan Pocic was inactive with a knee injury, alongside safeties Grant Delpit (concussion) and Ronnie Hickman (ankle).
Eagles: Tight end Dallas Goedert left with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Darius Slay departed with a knee injury, and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata exited in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.
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