Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns game recap: Everything we know
The Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns played a dreary offensive game on the shores of Lake Erie on a cold, damp November afternoon. Cleveland withstood a late Lions surge and ran out the clock to hold onto a win, keeping the visiting Lions winless on the season.
It was another suspect game for the Detroit offense, this time with backup QB Tim Boyle at the helm. Running back D’Andre Swift had himself an impressive afternoon, but the passing attack fell flat once again.
The win improves the Browns record to 6-5, while the Lions fall to 0-9-1 in Dan Campbell’s debut season.
Final score: Cleveland Browns 13, Detroit Lions 10
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Keys to the game
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
For the second week in a row, the Lions rushing offense produced more than double the passing yardage in regulation time. While that’s great for the running game and RB D’Andre Swift, it’s a dreadful way to try and win a football game in 2021.
The Detroit defense played acceptably, though some of the credit must go to the Browns offense just not playing well. The Lions forced two interceptions off Browns QB Baker Mayfield. Alas, Boyle tossed two picks of his own.
The lack of aggressive playcalling from the Lions remains an ongoing problem. Outside of Swift’s long touchdown run, the Detroit offense just did not threaten the inconsistent Browns defense. Detroit’s special teams played well but did make a critical mistake on a brilliant Jack Fox punt that should have been downed inside the Browns 1-yard line, giving the Browns some breathing room and much-needed field position.
It was over when...
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Coach Campbell elected to punt the ball back to the Browns when the Lions offense stalled with just over three minutes to play. Trusting in his defense proved costly for Campbell.
Cleveland ground out two first downs on the trusty legs of RB Nick Chubb, running the clock out and sealing the victory for the Browns.
Top 3 Lions stars of the game
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Third star: S Tracy Walker – nine tackles, two TFLs, two third-down stops
Second star: CB Amani Oruwariye – five tackles, one INT
First star: RB D’Andre Swift – 14 carries, 136 yards, one TD
Other key stats
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
What's next for the Lions?
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions host the Chicago Bears in the annual Thanksgiving day game at Ford Field. The Bears lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 16-13, on Sunday to fall to 3-7 on the season. It was Chicago’s fifth loss in a row.
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