Cleveland Browns Instant Reactions: Nick Chubb helps secure victory over Detroit
By John Suchan
Like the mailman says, rain or shine we deliver and that’s what the Cleveland Browns did in Week 11, getting an important win against the Detroit Lions. Cleveland’s mailman in this game was running back Nick Chubb who helped knock down the Lions defense late and secure the win 13-10.
It wasn’t a masterpiece, but the Browns did just enough to tame the Lions and keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Cleveland now sits at 6-5 on the season.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield played better than he did a week ago, even though he’s a walking injury these last few weeks. Chubb provided that much-needed ground game and clock control limit the Lions opportunities on offense. The battled and bruised Browns defense also played well as they shut out the Lions in the first half. After last week’s embarrassing loss up in New England, the defense played more inspired in this contest.
With that, let’s dig a little deeper into the game and what earned the team a victory this week.
Cleveland Browns reaction: Defense forced takeaways
In ugly weather along the shores of Lake Erie, the Browns defense played inspired ball and was able to shut the Lions’ offense down early. They shut the Lions out in the first half. They also forced turnovers that helped stop any type of momentum by Detroit.
Early in the game, the Lions were driving, but Cleveland linebacker Malcolm Smith was able to snag an errant pass and end the threat. Midway through the 3rd quarter, cornerback Denzel Ward grabbed a long pass attempt by Detroit for the second Browns interception.
The team has struggled with forcing turnovers this season, with only eight before Sunday’s game. They had 21 turnovers a year ago, so it was nice to see the team get a couple of them against Detroit. The takeaway game for Cleveland could be the difference-maker for the team’s chances the rest of the year.
However, even with the defense getting those turnovers, they forgot about the Lions running back D’Andre Swift who rumbled for a 57-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to cut the lead to 13-7.
But the defense regrouped and stymied the Detroit offense after that and really was the other main reason for the win on this day.