[2022] Browns Bulletin, Week 3 - Late Burst Pushes Team to Another Victory

[Piercewise1]

The “single-digit” club has another member.

 

The Browns defense locked down their opposition once again, allowing only a late field goal in a 21-3 victory over the visiting Green Bay Packers. The unit has now allowed 12 points over three games, and only 1 touchdown (the offense also gave up a safety in week 1).

 

Two surprising names dominated the chatter in Ohio sports bars and on social media. The first was Harold Forst, a reserve linebacker who got the start over Louis Wallace after flashing his cover skills in practice. Forst proved to be equally adept against the run, leading the team with 7 tackles (6 on run plays).

 

 

Wallace, to his credit, would make a huge play on special teams when he blocked a punt in the first quarter.

 

The second surprise was strong safety James Hayes, who before today was best known for a viral video in which an autograph-seeking fan confused him for 1st round pick Kolton Hayes, despite James’ distinct lack of melanin. But today Hayes grabbed two interceptions off Packers QB Joseph Garibay, including a great over-the-shoulder catch on the third play of the game. Unfortunately it only led to a missed field goal, so when Hayes picked off another pass in the fourth quarter he took it all the way to the house himself.

 

Missed opportunities continued to plague the offense and special teams. The Browns’ first two possessions ended in the missed field goal mentioned above and an interception; then they drove into Packer territory only to lose 15 yards on a bad sack; then poor time management allowed a scoring opportunity to slip away right before the half with the ball on the Packers’ 20-yard line. Points didn’t come until the final quarter, on a drive that was kept alive by a defensive penalty.

 

QB James Rivera mustered 168 yards on 17 of 32 passing, with an INT and two sacks. Backup RB David Avila was the team’s leading receiver after a 46-yard catch-and-run in garbage time. And second-round pick Marcus Ekstrom remains without a catch despite getting additional playing time in the slot. At least Juan Mora continued to shine, with 179 yards and 2 TDs on 31 carries. He’s over 400 rushing yards on the season already, good enough for fifth in the league.

 

The Browns are 3-0 and tied with the surprising Bengals for the AFC North lead. They are already on the road to Baltimore, where they will play the 0-3 Ravens on Thursday Night Football. The Ravens recently traded away several veterans for younger players and future draft picks, but fans who know anything about these teams’ interconnected history should expect a slugfest.