Browns Edge Rams 19–17 on Last-Second Szmyt Field Goal

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Browns beat the Los Angeles Rams 19–17 on Saturday. Andre Szmyt kicked a 37-yard field goal as the clock ran out in their Week 3 preseason finale at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland’s win makes them 3–0 in the preseason. It’s their first time going undefeated through three games since 2020.

In the closing moments, Jordan Waters ran two yards for a touchdown, giving the Rams a 17–16 lead with 2:08 left. However, Tyler Huntley came in for rookie Shedeur Sanders and drove the Browns 46 yards in six plays. This set up Szmyt’s kick for the win. Szmyt, in the running for the kicking job as Dustin Hopkins falters, had a perfect afternoon.

Joe Flacco started for Cleveland’s first team. He completed 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He connected with rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for a 15-yard score from the Rams’ one-yard line. Dillon Gabriel put in significant effort. He went 12 of 19 for 129 yards and a touchdown. He also led an impressive 86-yard drive late in the first half.

Los Angeles starter Dresser Winn overcame early errors. He ended up going 15 of 23 for 190 yards and one touchdown. Waters led the Rams’ ground game with 41 yards on six carries. Rookie receiver Terrance Ferguson had two catches for 48 yards. The Rams’ defense missed starters Miles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Greg Newsome. They managed four sacks, but they couldn’t stop the Browns in the last minute.

Both teams faced injuries. The Browns lost starting center Ethan Pocic to a knee problem early in Cleveland’s first series. Also, Rams cornerback Charles Woods was checked for a concussion. Preseason form rarely indicates regular-season success. Still, Cleveland’s depth players brought a lot of excitement late in summer.