Honestly, if you just looked at the final Eagles vs Browns score of 20-16, you’d think it was just another boring, defensive grind. But man, the vibes at Lincoln Financial Field on October 13, 2024, were anything but boring. It was chaotic. Weird. Tense.
Philadelphia came into this game after a bye week, supposed to be rested and ready to steamroll a struggling Cleveland team. Instead, the game turned into a nail-biter that stayed undecided until the final two minutes. If you’re a Birds fan, it was the kind of win that leaves you feeling more relieved than happy. If you’re a Browns fan, it was just another chapter in a season that felt like a slow-motion car crash.
The Final Score and How We Got There
The scoreboard read 20-16 in favor of the Eagles when the clock hit zero. Philly moved to 3-2, while Cleveland plummeted to 1-5.
It was ugly early. The Eagles didn't score a single point in the first quarter—the fifth game in a row they’d done that. Fans were literally chanting for Nick Sirianni to be fired before the half was even over. You could feel the heat.
✨ Don't miss: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
The turning point? Probably the return of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Having those two back on the field changed the geometry of the offense, even if Jalen Hurts and company still looked a bit rusty.
Key Scoring Plays
- AJ Brown's 22-yard TD: Hurts lofted a beautiful ball to the left corner. Brown, playing his first game since Week 1, just out-muscled the defender to put Philly up 10-0.
- The Blocked FG Disaster: This was the weirdest part of the game. Jake Elliott tried a 57-yarder right before halftime. Myles Garrett (who else?) blocked it, and Rodney McLeod—a former Eagle, no less—scooped it up and ran it 50 yards for a touchdown. Suddenly, it was 10-10.
- DeVonta Smith’s 45-yard Winner: With the game tied at 13 in the fourth, Smith caught a short pass, found a seam, and just GONE.
Why the Scoreboard Lied About the Game
Cleveland actually outplayed Philly in a few weird categories, but they couldn't find the end zone on offense. Not even once. Deshaun Watson finished 16-of-23 for 168 yards, but he was sacked five times. Five! Jalen Carter and Milton Williams were living in the backfield.
The Browns' only touchdown came from that special teams play. Think about that. Their offense moved the ball deep into Eagles territory in the final minutes, getting all the way to the 8-yard line. But then? False start. Incompletion. Another false start. They had to settle for a field goal, making the Eagles vs Browns score 20-16.
🔗 Read more: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
Philly then iced it with a 40-yard bomb to A.J. Brown. It was vintage Hurts-to-Brown. Game over.
The Nick Sirianni "Energy" Incident
We have to talk about the sideline stuff. After the game, Sirianni was seen jawing with his own fans. Like, actually arguing with people in the stands.
He apologized the next day, saying his "energy was directed in the wrong place," but it highlighted the massive pressure he’s under. People in Philly are restless. Winning by four against a 1-5 team doesn't exactly buy you a lot of grace when the offense still looks "clunky" half the time.
💡 You might also like: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
Stat Leaders from the Matchup
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): 16/25, 264 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.
- A.J. Brown (PHI): 6 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD.
- Deshaun Watson (CLE): 16/23, 168 yards, 0 TD.
- Saquon Barkley (PHI): 18 carries, 47 yards (Cleveland’s run defense was actually legit).
What This Result Actually Means for Your Team
If you’re looking for actionable takeaways from this specific Eagles vs Browns score, here is the reality of where these teams sit:
For Eagles Fans:
The return of the "Big Three" (Brown, Smith, and Barkley) is the only reason this wasn't an upset. The defense, led by Vic Fangio, is starting to find an identity with young guys like Cooper DeJean getting more snaps at nickel. However, the offensive slow starts are a legitimate concern. If they don't fix the first-quarter play-calling, they’re going to get buried by high-octane teams like the Lions or Niners later in the year.
For Browns Fans:
The defense is still elite, but the offense is broken. Seeing the team fail to score a touchdown against a mid-tier pass defense tells you everything you need to know about the current state of the passing game. The offensive line is battered, and Watson isn't making the "special" plays necessary to overcome that.
Next Steps for Your Research:
- Track the Injury Report: Monitor Jordan Mailata's hamstring injury, as he left this game and his absence significantly changes how Philly protects Hurts' blindside.
- Watch the Snap Counts: Keep an eye on Cooper DeJean. His performance in this game (6 tackles, half a sack) suggests he’s becoming a permanent fixture in the Eagles' defensive scheme.
- Look at the Schedule: Cleveland's inability to score here suggests a "fade" strategy for bettors until Nick Chubb or a healthy O-line returns.
Basically, Philly escaped. Cleveland spiraled. And Nick Sirianni learned that winning doesn't always mean the fans are happy.