Alford’s interception gives Falcons’ 23-20 win over Browns

The Atlanta Falcons defense denied a sure win for the Cleveland Browns with less than a minute left to play after Dee Alford intercepted a Jacoby Brissett pass to David Bell to give the Falcons their second win in a row 23-20 on Sunday.

Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw for 234 yards, completing 21 of 35 passes with no touchdowns and an interception while Nick Chubb lead the browns in rushing with 118 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown in front of what was a home crowd for him that included his family and high school football team.

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for just 139 yards and an interception while Tyler Allgeier lead the team in rushing with 84 yards on 10 carries and no touchdowns. Cordarrelle Patterson had a touchdown rushing for just 38 yards on limited play. Caleb Huntley scored as well, gaining 56 yards on 10 carries.

The Falcons got off to a fast start ending their first possession with a field goal followed by a touchdown by Patterson latter in the first quarter securing a comfortable 10-3 lead over the Browns.

Trouble appeared when the Falcons offense all but disappear dint he second quarter however as the Falcons only managed to gain just 6 yards in the second quarter. Poor execution resulted in multiple punts without advancing the ball for much of the second and third quarters.

Brissett was able to keep the Browns close, taking advantage of the Falcons mistakes and was able to close the Falcons lead to 17-14 as the fourth quarter started.

The Browns were able to catch up to the Falcons for what seemed to be a sure 20-17 win after a 28-yard burst down the left side of the field by Nick Chubb for a touchdown with just three minutes left to play in the game.

The Falcons were determined to not let another close a game slip through their fingers in the final quarter. Running backs Huntley and Allgeier contributed greatly in getting the offense downfield coming away with a 21-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo to tie the game 20-20 with 2:32 left to play.

Koo would again push the Falcons ahead of the Browns after a defense stop with a 45-yard field goal and a 23-20 lead with just over one minute left to play.

Brissett attempted to bring the Browns back downfield for a late win but the Falcons defense forced a turnover with Dee Alford intercepting Jacoby Brissett’s pass to David Bell ending the Browns comeback drive to win the game.

 

Up Next:

Falcons: Play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road Oct 9, at 1:00 pm on FOX

Browns: Play Los Angeles Chargers at home Oct 9, at 1:00 pm on CBS