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** Watch prior commentary on the Browns’ 17-10 elimination loss to the Saints on Dec. 24 in the player above. **

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Cleveland Browns are out of playoff contention, but a win over the Washington Commanders on New Year’s day 2023 still felt good! The team is now 7-9 on the season.

At the end of the first quarter, the Browns took the lead against the Commanders 3 to 0.

By halftime, Cleveland gave up their lead with a 3 to 7 score after a touchdown for the Commanders.

In the third quarter, the Browns were able to move past Washington, finally scoring a touchdown moving the score to 10-7 with a good field goal. They capitalized on Washington’s defensive problems, scoring one more touchdown in the third quarter. The score moved to 17-7 by the end of the quarter.

The Commanders were able to get another three points in the fourth quarter, but the Browns did not let that bother them, scoring yet another touchdown moving the score to 24-10. That score held through the end of the game.

***

Despite a star-laden roster and high expectations, the Browns missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Obviously, Watson’s lengthy suspension was a major impediment, but the Browns were disappointed they didn’t do more.

“We had our chances, and we didn’t make the most of it,” Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb said. “And here we are. We are who we are.”

There was some progress — just not enough for a team that went 8-9 last season and might not even get there again.

“Super disappointing,” cornerback Greg Newsome III said. “On paper, we have a very, very talented roster, but we obviously we weren’t able to put everything together this season for the second straight year.”