ATLANTA, GA — With the Browns missing three starters on their defensive line, the Atlanta Falcons took full advantage as they ran all over the depleted Browns to a 23-20 win on Sunday.
For the second straight week, Jadeveon Clowney was missing with an ankle injury. Miles Garrett, was ruled out on Saturday, is still recovering from crashing his Porsche after losing control while speeding. Also out was defensive tackle Taven Bryan, who's out with a hamstring injury.
Despite the missing personel, the Browns still held Atlanta's passing game in check. Marcus Mariota would only throw for 139 yards with an interception.
Cleveland's offense outgained Atlanta in total offense during the first half - 245 to 120 yards - but could only manage a halftime tie.
The difference-maker in the first half, was when Browns tight end David Njoku fumbled the ball away. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins forced the fumble, which was recovered by linebacker Rashaan Evans at the Cleveland 31.
Cordarrelle Patterson would find the end zone three plays later from 11-yards out to give the Falcons a 10-0 lead.
The Browns pulled even on Jacoby Brissett's 5-yard touchdown run and Cade York's 29-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Brissett, the Browns' fill-in starter while Deshaun Watson serves an 11-game suspension for alleged sexual misconduct, turned in a commendable performance as he completed 21 of 35 passes for 234 yards with no touchdowns and the interception.
Cleveland (2-2) would take the lead in third quarter on a 45-yard field goal by York to give the Browns a 13-10 lead.
Atlanta's Caleb Huntley had eight carries for 54 yards, including his 5-yard scoring run that gave the Falcons a 17-13 lead early in the fourth quarter.
The Falcons spoiled the Georgia homecoming of Nick Chubb, who ran for 118 yards and a touchdown with his high school team, family and friends watching. Chubb did give his onlookers something to cheer about in the fourth quarter, when he broke free with 28-yard touchdown run that gave Cleveland a 20-17 lead.
Atlanta (2-2) out rushed the Browns 202 yards to 177 despite another strong game by Chubb.
Younghoe Koo's 45-yard field goal, his third of the game, with 2:28 remaining gave the Falcons the lead.
The Browns would mount one final drive, moving out to midfield. However, on a second down play, Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett sacked Brissett for a loss of 8 yards.
Then on third and 23, Dee Alford intercepted Jacoby Brissett's pass intended for David Bell and the Falcons would hold on to win.
Browns return home to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Cleveland 0 10 3 7 — 20
Atlanta 10 0 0 13 — 23
First Quarter
ATL — Younghoe Koo 30 field goal, 3:36 ATL — Cordarrelle Patterson 13 run (Younghoe Koo kick), 1:20 Second Quarter
CLE — Jacoby Brissett 4 run (Cade York kick), 7:35 CLE — Cade York 29 field goal, :07 Third Quarter
CLE — Cade York 45 field goal, 3:06 Fourth Quarter
ATL — Caleb Huntley 5 run (Younghoe Koo kick), 12:51
CLE — Nick Chubb 28 run (Cade York kick), 9:51
ATL — Younghoe Koo 21 field goal, 7:19
ATL — Younghoe Koo 45 field goal, 2:28
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