Min. Dale Edwards Executive Director Call and Post
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns delivered a statement win Sunday, dismantling the Miami Dolphins 31-6 at Huntington Bank Field in a rain-soaked, dominant display.
A Win That Meant Something
After three consecutive losses and 11 straight games scoring 17 or fewer points, the Browns finally broke through. The swampy conditions might have made things messy—but Cleveland embraced it, leaning on a rugged running game, opportunistic defense and special-teams punch.
Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins exploded for three rushing touchdowns (84 yards on 25 carries) to power the offense. Two of those scores came via wild-cat formations, a clever wrinkle given the wet weather and wind.
Meanwhile, the Browns’ defense seized control: cornerback Tyson Campbell returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown on the first play after halftime, and safeties Rayshawn Jenkins and Ronnie Hickman each added picks. The result: three Miami turnovers converted into 21 points for the Browns.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, making his first start at Cleveland’s home crowd, was efficient: 13 of 18 passing for 116 yards—he didn’t need many yards because the Browns controlled the tone on the ground.
Turning Points & Big Plays
- After a sloppy opening by both teams, Judkins broke loose for a 46-yard touchdown early in the second quarter, giving the Browns a lead they would never relinquish.
- On Miami’s opening snap of the second half, Campbell’s pick-six delivered the knockout blow: suddenly it was 24-6 and Cleveland never looked back.
- Miami’s offense, by contrast, couldn’t convert key third-downs (1-of-13) and committed 11 penalties for 103 yards, making a comeback impossible.
What This Means for Cleveland
While the Browns are still just 2-5, this win could be a turning point. They snapped their scoring drought, found a back who can shoulder a load, and showed they can dominate a game in all three phases. If they carry this momentum forward, the remainder of the season feels less like damage-control and more like an opportunity.
The Other Side: Miami’s Troubles Deepen
For the Dolphins, the loss compounds concerns. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa managed just 12 of 23 passing for 100 yards and tossed three interceptions. His passer rating plummeted to a career-low 24.1.
Coach Mike McDaniel took an uncharacteristically blunt tone: “We did everything we could to lose the game,” he said. At 1-6 and looking disjointed, Miami’s season is already drifting off course.
Looking Ahead
The Browns next hit the road to face the New England Patriots, a chance to prove this wasn’t just a one-off. The Dolphins travel to Atlanta to take on the Atlanta Falcons, with the pressure mounting for change in Miami.
In a season that had felt stuck in neutral, the Cleveland Browns broke free—boldly, decisively and on their terms. They dominated the Dolphins from the opening kick to the final whistle. For a franchise yearning for signs of life, today’s win might just be the spark.
