Browns lose to Titans 31-29; Stefanski takes blame for failed 2-point conversion

The Cleveland Browns suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Tennessee Titans, falling 31-29 after a failed two-point conversion attempt.

Why it matters: With this defeat, the Browns’ playoff hopes have been officially dashed, and their focus has now shifted toward securing a favorable position in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The loss dropped Cleveland’s record to 3-10, substantially increasing their chances of landing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from 6.6% to 14%. General manager Andrew Berry may now prioritize rebuilding efforts, especially considering the team’s struggles throughout the season.

What’s new: Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders displayed flashes of brilliance but ultimately could not lead his team to victory.

• Sanders completed 23 of 42 passes for 364 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception.
• He also added a rushing touchdown, marking him as the first Browns player since Derek Anderson in 2007 to achieve three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in a single game.

Yes, but: The game was not without its frustrations for Sanders, particularly regarding the critical two-point conversion attempt that failed in the closing moments.

• Head coach Kevin Stefanski accepted full responsibility for the decision-making during the play, noting, “I make every call... I'm responsible for all of it.”
• The attempted conversion featured rookie running back Quinshon Judkins out of the Wildcat formation, who had previously found success in similar situations but was ultimately stifled by the Titans' defense.

Between the lines: The failure to convert revealed tactical shortcomings, but the execution of the play itself left much to be desired.

• Sanders expressed disappointment, stating, "We practice for situations... if they knew it would pan out like that, I don't think they would've did it."
• The Browns aimed for a late-game rally, trailing 31-17 with six minutes remaining before scoring two quick touchdowns, showcasing their potential when operating at peak efficiency.

What’s next: As the season winds down, the Browns must evaluate their roster and coaching strategies moving forward.

• The development of draft strategies will take precedence, along with assessing the future of Sanders as the starting quarterback.
• As they prepare for the off-season, the organization will need to address both their offensive dynamics and overall team cohesion to avoid repeating this season's shortcomings.

The bottom line: While the Browns showed resilience in a spirited late comeback, their inability to finish the job against Tennessee underscores a season filled with missed opportunities and questions about their future direction.