Cleveland Browns’ Failed 2-Point Conversion Attempt Leaves Fans Wondering
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns’ 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday has left fans and coaches alike scratching their heads, particularly with regards to a failed 2-point conversion attempt that saw rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders watching from the sideline. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski declined to explain what went wrong but accepted blame for the play, which ultimately decided the outcome of the game.
Cleveland trailed Tennessee 31-17 with six minutes left, but Sanders rallied the Browns late with a pair of touchdown drives. Sanders first scored on a 7-yard run but fumbled the center exchange when Cleveland went for two after the touchdown. Later, Sanders connected with rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on a 7-yard touchdown with 1:03 left, but the Browns left Sanders off the field as the offense went to its Wildcat package for another 2-point attempt.
Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins took a direct snap and ran to his right but mishandled the ball as rookie wide receiver Gage Larvadain ran in the opposite direction for a possible reverse. Judkins ran backward and launched a pass across the field to Larvadain in a last-ditch effort, but it fell incomplete. According to ESPN, this play was a pivotal moment in the game, and its failure sealed the Browns’ fate.
Post-Game Analysis
Stefanski handed playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees after Cleveland’s Week 9 bye and said Rees had final say on what plays went into the game plan. However, the sixth-year head coach took accountability for the failed conversion, stating, “I make every call…. I’m responsible for all of it.” Stefanski also mentioned that he had already decided on the Wildcat play as the offense was moving down the field for the potential tying drive.
Sanders, the 144th pick in this year’s draft, had his best statistical game in his third start, completing 23 of 42 passes for 364 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for 29 yards and a touchdown on three carries, becoming the first Browns player with three passing touchdowns and a rushing TD in a game since Derek Anderson in Week 6 of the 2007 season. According to Pro-Football-Reference, this achievement highlights Sanders’ potential as a versatile quarterback in the NFL.
Playoff Implications and Future Prospects
The loss dropped the Browns to 3-10 and officially eliminated them from playoff contention. Cleveland’s chances of getting the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft rose from 6.6% to 14% after the defeat, according to ESPN Analytics. Despite the disappointing outcome, Stefanski praised Sanders’ performance, saying, “He fought throughout the game, which we knew he would. Obviously, with any young player, there’s going to be ups and downs, and I thought there were some really, really, really good moments.” As the season progresses, the Browns will look to build on these positive moments and develop their young players for future success.
