Falcons record 10 sacks, extend winning streak with 24-16 victory

Cleveland, OH - The Atlanta Falcons extended their winning streak to six games with a 24-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, combining three touchdowns from Anthony Richardson Sr with a defense that recorded 10 sacks and two interceptions.

Atlanta entered the week at 9-3 after winning five straight, and its latest result did not follow the simplest statistical path. Cleveland finished with more first downs, more passing yards and more offensive yards, but the Falcons emerged with the eight-point victory.

The Browns accumulated 269 offensive yards to Atlanta's 245 and produced 19 first downs compared with the Falcons' 13. Cleveland also converted 6 of 13 third downs, while Atlanta went 3-for-10. Those advantages stood alongside a sharply different defensive comparison: The Falcons collected 10 sacks and intercepted Tua Tagovailoa twice, while Cleveland finished with three sacks and no interceptions.

Richardson supplied an efficient passing line without needing heavy volume. He completed 8 of 14 attempts for 89 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a 115.7 passer rating. He added 53 yards and a touchdown on five rushing attempts, including the game's longest run at 27 yards.

"We didn't need every snap to look the same," Richardson said. "The running game gave us production, and when my chances came in the passing game, I wanted to be efficient. Getting three touchdowns and leaving with the win is what matters."

Atlanta's largest offensive advantage came on the ground. The Falcons rushed for 178 yards, nearly doubling Cleveland's total of 96. Bijan Robinson carried the largest share of that work, posting a game-high 122 yards on 23 attempts. Richardson and Robinson combined for 175 of Atlanta's rushing yards.

Robinson also contributed as a receiver, catching three passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. Drake London led Atlanta with 50 receiving yards on three receptions and scored the other touchdown through the air. London's longest reception covered 25 yards, while Robinson had a 21-yard catch.

"Twenty-three carries is a real workload, and I like being trusted with it," Robinson said. "I wanted to stay consistent, take the yards that were there and contribute however I could. Being involved in both parts of the offense gives me a lot to build on."

Cleveland generated significantly more passing production but also absorbed the game's heavier defensive pressure. Tagovailoa completed 21 of 32 passes for a game-high 246 yards and two touchdowns, though the two interceptions lowered his passer rating to 83.5.

Denzel Boston led all receivers with 95 yards on five catches, including a game-long 39-yard reception and a touchdown. Jerry Jeudy caught seven passes for 74 yards and another score. Together, Boston and Jeudy accounted for 169 of Tagovailoa's 246 passing yards.

"You can't be satisfied with 246 yards when the result is 16 points and a loss," Tagovailoa said. "The two interceptions are on me, and the sacks are something we all have to look at. There was production, but the final number is the part that stays with you."

The Browns also received 83 rushing yards on 16 carries from Quinshon Judkins, whose longest attempt gained 19 yards. Cleveland reached the red zone twice and scored one touchdown on those trips. Atlanta had three red-zone trips without recording a touchdown or field goal, another statistical contrast in a game where the Falcons' scoring total exceeded their offensive yardage profile.

Both teams converted their only fourth-down attempt, but Atlanta finished with the cleaner turnover line and the far larger sack total. The Falcons left Cleveland with their sixth consecutive victory, extending the most meaningful season trend they brought into Week 14.

Up Next

Atlanta will take its six-game winning streak on the road against the Washington Commanders in Week 15, while Cleveland will look to rebound in an away matchup with the New York Giants.