FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Nobody would ever describe Kevin Stefanski's coaching style as "conservative." And on Sunday, it didn't take long for the Cleveland Browns head coach's aggressive nature to make an appearance.
Facing a fourth-and-goal from the New England Patriots' two-yard line on his team's opening drive, Stefanski opted to leave his offense on the field instead of kicking a field goal. Stefanski's decision to go for it on fourth down ultimately paid off, with Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield finding tight end Austin Hooper for a two-yard touchdown pass to give Cleveland a 7-0 lead in its Week 10 matchup.
Mayfield's touchdown pass to Hooper ended an opening drive that saw running back D'Ernest Johnson rush for 58 yards on four carries before the Browns' offense appeared to stall out at the two-yard line. Facing a first-and-goal from the Patriots' two-yard line, Cleveland ran a direct snap to backup fullback Johnny Stanton, who was stuffed for a no-gain. On second-and-goal, Mayfield found an open David Njoku, who failed to hold onto a would-be touchdown as the ball was knocked away by a late-arriving Adrian Phillips. On third down, Mayfield targeted wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, with his pass attempt nearly intercepted by Devin McCourty.
One play later, however, Cleveland was in the end zone, with Mayfield throwing his ninth touchdown pass of the season. Sunday's matchup between 5-4 teams could go a long way toward determining the outcome of the AFC Wild Card race this season.
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