Myles Garrett got his record, and the Cleveland Browns got a dramatic finish to close the season.
Andre Szmyt drilled a 49-yard field goal as time expired, capping a late rally and lifting the Browns to a 20–18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The win secured Cleveland’s second straight victory for the first time in two seasons and provided the backdrop for Garrett’s historic afternoon.
After Ja’Marr Chase’s four-yard touchdown catch gave Cincinnati an 18–17 lead with 1:29 remaining, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders guided the Browns on a decisive 10-play, 40-yard drive. Cleveland converted a key third down on a 13-yard catch by Isaiah Bond, then moved into scoring range on an 11-yard completion from Sanders to Jerry Jeudy. Two short runs by Dylan Sampson set up Szmyt’s game-winning kick, redeeming the kicker after early-season struggles against the same opponent.
Garrett delivered the game’s defining defensive moment earlier in the fourth quarter. With 4:09 remaining, he sacked Joe Burrow for a 6-yard loss at midfield, recording his 23rd sack of the season to break the NFL single-season record previously shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. The milestone came in a meaningful moment and helped keep Cleveland within striking distance.
Cleveland’s defense accounted for both of the team’s touchdowns. Devin Bush opened the scoring with a 97-yard interception return in the first quarter, and Sam Webb added a 47-yard fumble return for a score later in the game. It marked the 15th time in franchise history the Browns scored at least two defensive touchdowns in a single contest.
Sanders finished 11 of 22 for 111 yards, overcoming a first-quarter fumble that led to a Cincinnati touchdown. Burrow completed 29 of 39 passes for 236 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, but mistakes and missed opportunities proved costly for the Bengals (6–11).
Cincinnati built its lead through the air. Burrow threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Chase Brown in the first quarter and connected with Tee Higgins on a 13-yard score before halftime. Evan McPherson missed both extra-point attempts, keeping the margin tight throughout. Chase finished with eight receptions for 96 yards and the late go-ahead touchdown, while Brown rushed for 72 yards to surpass 1,000 for the season.
Cleveland (5–12) stayed within reach thanks to timely defensive plays, including Grant Delpit breaking up a two-point conversion attempt after Chase’s touchdown. Szmyt’s winning kick, his second walk-off field goal of the season, sealed the comeback.
The game also left uncertainty surrounding Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, whose future is expected to be decided by ownership in the coming days following a sixth season in Cleveland.
Injuries
Browns: CB Denzel Ward (neck) exited in the first half; C Luke Wypler (knee) was injured in the fourth quarter.
Bengals: CB DJ Turner (calf) left in the fourth quarter.
Up next
Browns: Enter the offseason with the No. 7 pick in the draft and a looming coaching decision.
Bengals: Will hold the No. 9 overall pick in the draft.
