Browns literally pull Austin Ekeler into end zone for smart reason

The Cleveland Browns found themselves in the unusual situation of actively helping the opponent score a touchdown during Sunday’s game.

The Browns were nursing a 42-41 lead with 1:31 left, but the Los Angeles Chargers had the ball at Cleveland's three-yard line. That meant a chip shot game-winning field goal was essentially inevitable. It also meant the Chargers were trying to run down as much clock as possible so Cleveland wouldn’t have time to get the ball back and score as well. That was made clear when running back Austin Ekeler took a knee at the three, making the strategy clear and prompting the Browns to use their final timeout.

Ekeler got the carry again on the next play and was obviously looking to go down short of the end zone, which would have allowed more time to tick off the clock. The Browns were smart enough to know that, and responded by essentially pushing and pulling Ekeler into the end zone themselves. The touchdown gave the Chargers the lead, but ensured the Browns would get the ball back with a minute and a half left.