Browns Top Jets, End 19-Game Skid
The Jets didn't want the ignominy, but it's all theirs.
The Browns' long national nightmare came to an end Thursday night when Sam Darnold was intercepted by Terrence Mitchell with 11 seconds left in a game the Jets once led 14-0. Cleveland's 19-game winless streak is over. The Browns beat the Jets 21-17 Thursday night at First Energy Field at Cleveland.
The Jets became the Browns' first victim in 635 days. The Browns' last victory came Dec. 24, 2016 over the Chargers. They fought back against the Jets, on a night when their fans had multiple reasons to celebrate.
Top overall pick Baker Mayfield, who the Browns chose over Darnold with the No. 1 pick, made his NFL debut when starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor exited in the first half because of a concussion. Mayfield finished 17for-23 with 201 yards and had a 100.1 passer rating.
Darnold struggled against defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' aggressive scheme. He was just 15-for-31 for 169 yards and two interceptions. Darnold's passing rating was 38.2.
The Jets appeared in control late in the first half. Their defense was outstanding, but after Mayfield entered the game the Browns scored 14 unanswered. The Jets regained the lead on a Jason Myers 28-yard field goal with 8:58 remaining. They needed a defensive stop, but the Jets couldn't get it.
Mayfield led a 15play, 75-yard drive, and converted three third downs. The last one was Carlos Hyde rumbling in the end zone on third-and-goal from the one for his second touchdown of the game. Greg Joseph's extra point made it 21-17 with 2:04 remaining.
Now the game rested on the arm of Darnold. He took over on the Browns' 25 with 2:04 left.
On f i rst down, Darnold was nearly picked off. He completed a 5-yard pass to Robby Anderson on second down. But Brandon Shell was called for a false start on the next play. Darnold completed a pass for 11 yards on 4th-and-10 to Jermaine Kearse. But Darnold was picked off on his next pass by Joe Schobert on the Jets 43 yard line with 1:21 to go.
The Browns ended up punting, giving Darnold another shot. Darnold completed the first pass 25 yards to Terrelle Pryor. But he was sacked on second down and threw the game-sealing interception on third.
Isaiah Crowell, the former Brown playing his first game in Cleveland since signing with the Jets, rushed for two touchdowns. After his second score, Crowell was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct when his celebration consisted of him wiping the ball on his rear end.
Extra points: TE Rob Gronkowski is dealing with an ankle issue. He was a limited participant in practice. DE Trey Flowers and S Patrick Chung (concussions) both missed practice for the second straight day.