Billy Cundiff kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired to hand the Cleveland Browns a dramatic 26-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome this evening.
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The hosts took the lead in the opening quarter as Matt Ryan peeled away and launched a 24-yard pass down the middle for Julio Jones, who strolled into the endzone to end a run of seven matches without a touchdown.
The Browns drew level in the final two minutes of the quarter when Isaiah Crowell eluded one tackle and raced between two more defenders on his way to the line for an 11-yard score.
Cleveland took the lead for the first time in the match courtesy of a Cundiff field goal early in the second quarter, while the kicker added another shortly afterwards to extend his side's advantage.
That was wiped out in the final minute of the first half, however, as Ryan threw a shovel pass to Jacquizz Rodgers, who reached over the line to make it a one-point game at the break.
Cundiff converted his third field goal of the afternoon to restore his side's lead after the restart, while Crowell then beat a number of tackles to find the corner of the endzone from 26 yards for his second score of the night and seventh rushing touchdown of the season.
Steven Jackson brought the Falcons right back into it with a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, leaving the hosts just two points behind.
The Browns almost regained their nine-point cushion when they reached the red zone, but Brian Hoyer's pass into the endzone was well picked off by Desmond Trufant.
The Falcons could not make anything happen in that drive, but they were gifted another chance shortly afterwards as Hoyer threw his third interception of the match while trying to wind the clock down.
They were able to make it count this time as Bryant converted a tough 53-yard kick to give his side a one-point lead in the final minute of the match.
They could not hold out, however, as Cundiff converted in the dying seconds to clinch the victory for his side, taking them to 7-4 for the season while the Falcons drop to 4-7.
Barney Corkhill
