The Week 6 NFL matchup on October 13, 2024, between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns was a tight contest, with the Eagles edging out a 20-16 victory. Both teams came into the game looking to find momentum in the season, and it was the Eagles who found theirs in the fourth quarter, securing a win that put them back on track.
The first half of the game saw both teams struggling to capitalize on opportunities. Cleveland’s offense, led by Deshaun Watson, had moments of promise but faltered at key moments due to errors. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, meanwhile, managed to move the ball well but faced a resilient Browns defense that made the Eagles earn every yard. Both teams exchanged field goals early, with kicker Jake Elliott converting for Philadelphia, but missed opportunities kept the score low.
The Browns were dealt a blow in the third quarter when defensive back Darius Slay left the game with a knee injury, forcing the Eagles to make adjustments. Cleveland’s defense, however, held its ground and pressured Hurts into some difficult situations. Yet, Philadelphia’s offense began to find its rhythm late in the third, with crucial plays from running back Kenneth Gainwell and wide receiver Jahan Dotson, positioning them to regain the lead.
Entering the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 13, but DeVonta Smith’s electrifying 45-yard touchdown catch gave the Eagles the upper hand. Hurts delivered a perfect pass that allowed Smith to break free and sprint down the sideline for the score. This play ignited the Eagles’ offense and their defense stepped up with pivotal sacks from Milton Williams and Josh Sweat, keeping Watson under pressure.
Cleveland responded with a field goal to close the gap, but penalties and offensive miscues hindered their comeback efforts. Twice inside the Eagles’ 10-yard line, false starts and miscommunication on key plays forced the Browns to settle for a field goal instead of a potential game-winning touchdown. Their final drive, marred by penalties, reflected the overall struggles of their offense throughout the day.
A.J. Brown played a critical role in sealing the Eagles’ win, with a 40-yard reception that set up Philadelphia in scoring position late in the game. His catch was not only spectacular but also strategic, as it came against Cleveland’s top cornerback, Greg Newsome, and allowed the Eagles to drain the clock. Hurts’ ability to connect with his top receivers like Brown and Smith made the difference down the stretch.
With the victory, the Eagles improved their season record to 3-2, showing resilience after a challenging start to the year. This win demonstrated the depth of their roster, especially on defense, as players like Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith helped contain the Browns’ offense. The Browns, on the other hand, dropped to 2-3, still searching for answers on both sides of the ball. While Watson showed flashes of brilliance, the team’s inconsistency and penalties were their undoing.
Overall, the Eagles’ win showcased their ability to make critical plays when it mattered most. Hurts’ leadership, coupled with contributions from standout performers like Smith and Brown, lifted Philadelphia past a Browns team that will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn their season around.
