Saints deny Browns with failed two-point bid in overtime
New Orleans won 23-22 after Cleveland’s Sheduer Sanders threw an incomplete pass from the sideline on a decisive play.
By Jenna Mitchell ·
The New Orleans Saints defeated the Cleveland Browns 23-22 in overtime on Sunday, securing their first home victory of the season by stopping a two-point conversion attempt. The decisive moment occurred when Browns backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders, under pressure from Carl Granderson, threw an incomplete pass along the sideline.
New Orleans took the lead early in the extra period. Tyler Shough connected with Juwan Johnson on a 15-yard pass for a touchdown. Cleveland responded with one minute remaining in overtime when Harold Fannin Jr. turned a short catch into a 39-yard scoring play after breaking a tackle. The Browns chose to attempt the two-point conversion for the win rather than kick for a tie.
The game featured a scoreless first 54 minutes, a result driven by poor execution in the red zone for both teams. The first half ended with the score tied at 3. No touchdowns were recorded until the third quarter.
Charlie Smyth, who was elevated from the practice squad this week, gave the Saints a 9-6 lead with a 48-yard field goal. He converted three of his four attempts in the game. Cleveland regained the lead with 5:33 remaining in the third quarter. Sanders found KC Concepcion Jr. open for a 64-yard touchdown, extending the Browns' advantage to 13-9.
The Saints closed the fourth quarter to take a 16-13 lead with 58 seconds left. Audric Estime, who was claimed off waivers five days prior, rushed for a 2-yard touchdown. The play capped a 55-yard drive that started with 1:48 on the clock. Chris Olave set up the score with a 33-yard reception that moved the ball to the 10-yard line.
Sanders moved the Browns to the New Orleans 33-yard line late in the game, aided by a 30-yard completion to Jerry Jeudy. Andre Szmyt kicked a 51-yard field goal to tie the game at 16-16 and force overtime. The Browns had previously squandered a scoring chance when Quinshon Judkins was stopped on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line after a fumble recovery by Donovan McMillon.
Shough completed 21 of 35 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown for New Orleans. Olave finished with seven catches for 98 yards, while Estime carried 15 times for 72 yards. Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in his first start of the season, replacing Deshaun Watson, who sat out due to the concussion protocol.
Cleveland’s Denzel Boston recorded six receptions for 98 yards, and Concepcion added four catches for 85 yards. The Browns have lost two straight games and three of their last four. Injuries included a left leg issue for Browns guard Austin Barber and a hamstring-related limp for safety Ronnie Hickman. Saints center Erik McCoy left the game with a biceps injury. Both teams host opponents next Sunday: Cleveland plays Houston, and New Orleans faces Carolina.
