The title isn’t lying.

It’s a Christmas miracle.

The Cleveland Browns snapped their seventeen game losing streak and beat the San Diego Chargers 20-17.

A blocked kick by Browns defensive tackle Jamie Meder and a missed game tying field goal by Chargers kicker Josh Lambo helped seal the win and to avoid football purgatory and the 0-16 record.

Robert Griffin III started off well and helped move the offense down the field in the first half of the game. The second half however he didn’t have time to make plays and was just getting crushed into the ground until he left the game in the fourth quarter with a concussion. I would expect his season and likely his Browns tenure is over.

Griffin finished the game 17 of 25 for 164 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. He was sacked seven times, tying a career high. 

Cody Kessler came in and did just enough to secure the victory, his clutch throw to Corey Coleman helped extend their drive and forced San Diego to burn up their timeouts.

The offense was finally balanced after fourteen games, they ran it 29 times and passed it 28 times. The run game was a big part in this victory with 124 yards combined from Griffin, Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. Crowell had 57 yards and two touchdowns, Griffin ran for  42 yards and Johnson added 28 as well.

Johnson left the game late after limping off the field, his injury is unknown.

However, it was the defense that were the standouts of the game. They came together united and all contributed to this victory. The pass rush came alive and while they didn’t have any sacks, they pressured Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers all day and got five quarterback hits.

The secondary held their own with six pass deflections and an interception that Jamar Taylor got in the second quarter. They did lose cornerback Joe Haden with a neck injury and his status for next week is unknown. 

My biggest takeaway from this win is that there will be no more parade talk. I was against the parade from the start and thought it was an absolute embarrassment for the city and the fan base. I get that people are angry at the organization for what this season has been and the moves the front office made but guess what, there’s more ways to give a big FU to the organization. 

Fans not showing up to games and opposing fans filling it up was a way. Not buying merchandise is another. Now renewing  season tickets is another. Having a parade to commemorate a winless season is the worst way because not only does it make the organization bad, it makes the city, fans and the people who are apart of the parade look like fools. 

The Browns will wrap up the season next Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Steelers defeat Baltimore on Sunday, they’ll clinch the AFC North and may rest starters against Cleveland. If that’s the case, Browns might pull off another win….

I know it’s unlikely but it’s fun to think about.

MERRY CHRISTMAS BROWNS FANS, ENJOY THIS WIN!