On Sunday September 15th .2024, the 0-1 Cleveland Browns traveled to a humid Jacksonville Florida to take on the 0-1 Jacksonville Jaguars.  Both teams lost their season opening games in disappointing fashion and needed to get back on track.  Going back to the end of the 2023 season, Jacksonville had lost 6 of their last 7 games. That slump dates back to the last time these two teams played each other in week 14 of the 2023 season in Cleveland. The Browns won that game 31-27. The question that had to be answered is which team would turn around their fortunes and their 2024 season.

In the first 2 quarters of this game, it was all Cleveland Browns. Jacksonville’s offense struggled against Cleveland’s defense. Cleveland dominated time of possession in the first half by having the ball for over 20 minutes. The Browns led at halftime 13-3. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense was held to just 16 passing yard in the first half.  However, the second half was a different story.

Led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville had a big second half of chunk yardage plays on offense. Lawrence ended up finishing the game going 14/30 for 220 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions with a 71.5 quarterback rating. His counterpart Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a much better first half than second half.  Watson finished the game going 22/34 for 186 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions with 78.8 quarterback rating. Watson did have a rushing touchdown.  The big difference in this game was the Cleveland Browns defense.

After an excellent punt by Browns punter Corey Bojorquez, Jacksonville was pinned back on their own two-yard line late in the 4th quarter while Cleveland was leading 16-13. On the first offensive play for Jacksonville on that possession, Browns defensive end Alex Wright sacked Trevor Lawrence for a crucial safety.  That led to the final score of Cleveland 18- Jacksonville 13.

The Browns improve their record to 1-1 and host the 0-2 New York Giants next Sunday at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns still have high hopes for this season to be successful. Going 1-1 was critical instead of 0-2. The next game provides another opportunity for this team to put together another winning effort. And in the NFL opportunities cannot be wasted.