Saints edge Browns 23-22 as overtime conversion fails
Cleveland coach Todd Monken chose a two-point attempt after Harold Fannin’s touchdown, but an incomplete pass left New Orleans with the victory.
New Orleans survived Cleveland’s bid for an overtime win, taking a 23-22 victory that lifted the Saints to 3-5. The Browns slipped to 5-4 with their second straight defeat after failing to convert a two-point attempt.
A 15-yard touchdown catch from Juwan Johnson gave New Orleans the overtime lead. Cleveland answered through Harold Fannin, whose touchdown covered 39 yards. Browns head coach Todd Monken then opted for two points, but Shedeur Sanders’ pass intended for Denzel Boston fell incomplete. Cleveland was also penalized for holding.
The scoring accelerated after a 6-6 deadlock midway through the fourth quarter. Charlie Smyth’s field goal from 48 yards put the Saints ahead 9-6 with 5:38 left. Rookie KC Concepcion responded with the first touchdown of his career, a reception covering 64 yards. New Orleans regained the advantage at 16-13 when Audric Estime scored from 2 yards with 58 seconds remaining.
Cleveland forced the extra period after Sanders connected with Jerry Jeudy on a 30-yard play, setting up a successful 51-yard kick by Andre Szmyt. Sanders finished 19-of-31, passing for 297 yards and two touchdowns. He played after Deshaun Watson spent most of the week under concussion protocol.
Tyler Shough completed 21-of-35 attempts for New Orleans, totaling 265 yards and one touchdown. Saints center Erik McCoy exited because of an elbow injury. New Orleans next hosts the Panthers, while Cleveland hosts the Texans before its Week 11 bye.
