Browns Snap Losing Streak with Dominant 31-6 Win Over Dolphins
CLEVELAND (AP) — In the days leading up to Cleveland’s game against Miami, Browns safety Grant Delpit admitted he had forgotten what it felt like to be part of a win. That feeling was rediscovered on Sunday as the Browns delivered a complete performance across all three phases, cruising to a 31-6 victory over the Dolphins and snapping a three-game losing skid.
“I remember now. Feels good,” Delpit said in the locker room after the game. “I think it was a huge win, honestly. Just to get one and now to multiply those, we can’t keep pinballing around in the season, going up and down.”
Judkins Scores Three Touchdowns as Browns Offense Shines
Running back Quinshon Judkins was a standout performer, scoring three touchdowns to help the Browns (2-5) surpass the 17-point mark for the first time in 12 games. Two of Judkins’ scores came on direct snaps out of the Wildcat formation, a play the Browns’ coaching staff incorporated late in the week after spotting the weather forecast.
On a second-and-goal from the Dolphins’ 3-yard line midway through the second quarter, the rookie bobbled the snap but quickly recovered, powering through the middle to extend Cleveland’s lead to 17-3.
“Any predicament puts yourself in the best position to go out there and prepare for that. During the week of practicing with wet balls and our coaches have been putting us in position to succeed,” Judkins said. He finished the game with 84 rushing yards on 25 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown early in the second quarter that gave Cleveland the lead.
Judkins capped the day with a 2-yard touchdown run on another direct snap early in the fourth quarter, sealing the Browns’ commanding victory.
Defense and Special Teams Dominate
Cleveland’s defense stepped up as well, holding the Dolphins without a touchdown for the first time in nearly two years. The Browns intercepted Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa three times, scoring 21 points off Miami’s four turnovers.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell, who was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 9, returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown on the opening play of the second half. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins contributed a fumble recovery on special teams in the second quarter and added an interception in the fourth. Both takeaways set up Judkins’ touchdowns out of the Wildcat formation.
Miami Struggles Despite Yardage Advantage
Despite outgaining Cleveland 219 to 206, the Dolphins managed only two field goals from Riley Patterson. Tagovailoa struggled, throwing three interceptions for the second consecutive week and posting a career-low passer rating of 24.1 while completing 12 of 23 passes for 100 yards. He also fumbled three times but managed to avoid losing the ball.
Quinn Ewers entered the game midway through the fourth quarter, replacing Tagovailoa after the veteran quarterback’s sixth career game with three interceptions. Miami converted only one of 13 third-down attempts and was penalized 11 times for 103 yards.
“We did everything we could to lose the game,” Miami coach Mike McDaniel said. “You saw a lot of frustration from the season seep into our play. I felt like emotional overreactions in the first half were detrimental to us. Four drives were sustained by penalties defensively.”
Bright Spot for Miami: De’Von Achane
The lone bright spot for Miami was running back De’Von Achane, who rushed 13 times for 82 yards.
Coaching Questions Loom for Dolphins
With a 29-29 record in his fourth season, Coach Mike McDaniel faces growing speculation about his future in Miami. McDaniel dismissed concerns about his job security.
“If I’m thinking about having a job, I need to be doing my job,” he said. “I think it’s offensive to all coaches, players and the organization if I’m spending that precious time thinking about myself.”
Injuries
- Dolphins: TE Darren Waller left the game in the first half with a pectoral injury and did not return. DE Elijah Campbell (quadriceps) and CB Storm Duck (ankle) were inactive.
- Browns: DE Adin Huntington suffered a concussion in the first half and did not return. TE David Njoku (knee) and OT Jack Conklin (concussion) were inactive.
Up Next
- Dolphins: At Atlanta, next Sunday.
- Browns: At New England, next Sunday.