Cleveland Browns quarterback PJ Walker confidently predicted that the San Francisco 49ers would fail to make their crucial game-winning field goal attempt to those in his vicinity.
As fate would have it, Jake Moody’s kick veered to the right, missing its mark with just six seconds remaining on the clock. The Browns, with a record of 3-2, managed to maintain their lead for a remarkable 19-17 win, marking their first comeback victory of such magnitude in over five years.
Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the formidable prowess of the 49ers, a team that had entered the weekend with an undefeated 5-0 record and held the top spot in ESPN’s Power Rankings. He also emphasized the Browns’ own strength, noting, “The truth is, we’re a good football team, and we fought tenaciously today.”
The Browns made the decision to start PJ Walker this week in place of Deshaun Watson, who was sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury. Without Watson, the Browns faced the 49ers as a 9.5-point underdog, marking their most significant upset win since 2010, according to research from ESPN Stats & Information.
The Cleveland Browns’ offense was notably battered, missing two All-Pro players: running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2, and left guard Joel Bitonio, who recently had knee surgery.
PJ Walker joined the Browns’ practice squad after being released by the Chicago Bears during the preseason. After spending the initial month of the season working with the scout-team offense behind Deshaun Watson and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson from the practice squad, Walker was given his opportunity this week. While he did throw a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter that allowed the 49ers to take a 17-13 lead, he rallied quickly to guide the Browns on consecutive field goal drives, ultimately regaining the lead. Walker finished the game with 192 passing yards.
Walker reflected on his performance, saying, “I’ve been in that situation before. You’re gonna make mistakes. But can you overcome them?”
Cleveland’s win put an end to the San Francisco 49ers’ 15-game regular-season winning streak, which had tied a franchise record. Cleveland Browns quarterback
Despite the disappointment of the loss, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the need for improvement, citing numerous offensive mistakes and the challenge of adapting to injuries during the game. He expressed his determination to regroup and come back stronger in the next week.
Notably, this was the first double-digit comeback under coach Kevin Stefanski, with the Browns overcoming a 10-0 deficit against San Francisco in the first half. Their previous such comeback dated back to 2018 when rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield led them to victory over the New York Jets.
Stefanski acknowledged the underdog status of the Browns but expressed his confidence, especially in their top-ranked defense. He praised the defense’s exceptional energy and enthusiasm for the challenge.