clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Browns vs. Ravens: Pat Shurmur revisits call to go for it on 4th down

After the Browns' 25-15 loss to the Ravens on Sunday, head coach Pat Shurmur defended his questionable decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 from his own 28-yard line, as well as the play that was called.

Jason Miller

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur made a controversial decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 at the Browns' own 28-yard line with over four minutes to play in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Shurmur addressed the call in the postgame press conference (via the Browns' official website), standing up for his decision while acknowledging that he might have made a different call had he known the Browns would get another possession:

"What I would like us to do is execute, give him a better play and make it. I watched the game last night, the (New York) Giants punted in that situation (and they) never saw the ball again. Being that we did get the ball back, yeah, I would consider doing something different if I can guarantee I'm going to get the ball back."

Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden's throw on the play was nowhere close to being a completion, and the Ravens were able to take advantage of the great field position by tacking on a field goal to extend their lead to two scores.

Shurmur also defended the play that was called, which included a five-receiver set:

"(It was) pretty simple, the one we ran. We just didn't execute it well. I have to give him a better play and then we've got to make it. You're talking about it being a gutsy call to keep the drive alive."

As a result of the frustrating defeat, the Browns fell to an AFC North-worst 2-7. Four of the team's losses have come by a touchdown or less.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.