Coming off their bye week, the Browns looked to implement changes in the areas they focused on during the bye week to improve. However, two first-quarter special teams mistakes, as well as late game defensive penalties, kept the Browns from successfully capitalizing.
"We're going to win as a team and we're going to lose as a team, so we'll all own that —including myself," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "But it's extremely disappointing, some of the moments in that game in terms of how that game unfolded. Obviously, you can't give up two return touchdowns in the first quarter, and that kind of set us back initially. And then we didn't just do a good enough job in any facet. Just didn't do a good enough job, and that's the disappointing part for me and this football team. But we're just going to keep swinging."
Here are three big takeaways from the Browns' 27-20 loss to the Jets.
Progress in the pass game
The Browns have been searching for ways to generate their offense, and particularly, find success in the pass game.
On their second offensive drive of the game, they were able to do just that. The Browns used a nine-play, 95-yard drive with a balance of the run and the pass game to move down the field. QB Dillon Gabriel capped off the drive with a 9-yard pass to TE David Njoku for the touchdown.
"I think when we're at our best, it's efficient and we're executing at a high level," Gabriel said. "That's when you can sustain drives and third downs, making big time plays, explosives here and there. But that's why I keep going back to you got to execute in crucial moments to play winning football, and we didn't, but want to continue to get better at that, because we've got to."
Gabriel showcased his arm once again early in the second quarter. The Browns had the ball back after S Ronnie Hickman picked off a pass from QB Justin Fields. On the first play of the offense drive, Gabriel threw a 22-yard pass to WR Jerry Jeudy in the end zone, which Jeudy caught for the touchdown.
Not only was the touchdown Jeudy's first receiving touchdown of the season, but it also tied Gabriel's career-high in touchdown passes.
Gabriel finished the game completing 17 of 32 passing attempts for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception but took six sacks. Gabriel connected with six different pass catchers over the course of the game, including TE Harold Fannin Jr., WR Cedric Tillman, RB Quinshon Judkins and RB Dylan Sampson. Fannin added a 24-yard reception in the second quarter that helped set up a field goal for K Andre Szmyt to end the first half.
"I think Dillon's confidence is growing each game," Jeudy said. "Each game he's getting better and better. All a quarterback needs is opportunity and consistency. So, him being out there and getting more reps builds his confidence. I see him growing each week. The more we work together the more chemistry we have."
As they utilized the pass game throughout the game, the Browns were also able to involve Jeudy more consistently. Jeudy finished the game with six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown – with his touchdown reception being his longest catch of the day.
"They did a good job of getting me going," Jeudy said. "[The early receptions] kept me locked in and brought me confidence, feeling like I was in the game."
Special teams with key mistakes early
Special teams had two key mistakes in the first quarter against the Jets and gave up 14 total points on those mishaps.
"Anytime something like that happens, we have to do a better job in all facets," Stefanski said. "We've got to put the guys in position, then they've got to go make a play in those, but special teams are so much of just 11 guys doing their job, and we just didn't do our job."
On the kickoff following the Browns' first-quarter touchdown, the kicking unit struggled to tackle kick returner Kene Nwangwu as he took off down the field and into the end zone for 99 yards and the touchdown.
Less than a minute later, they had their second mistake. After going three-and-out, the Browns were forced to punt on their next offensive drive. P Corey Bojorquez punted the ball 45 yards, and Jets punt returner Isaiah Williams returned the ball 74 yards for a touchdown to give the Jets a one-score lead in the first quarter.
"It's unacceptable really," S Grant Delpit said. "I was out there for both of those plays, so it's not like there wasn't anyone on defense out there."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Week 10 game against the New York Jets, featuring top plays and moments.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Tre Avery (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) and Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) and Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) and Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) and Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets on November 9, 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
Defense falters late in game
The Browns' defense held the Jets' offense in check for about three quarters of the game, giving up just a field goal in the second quarter. They also recorded an early turnover, as Hickman picked off QB Justin Fields in the first quarter.
The Browns limited QB Justin Fields in the pass game, allowing just five passing yards on three passes in the first half of the game. Fields finished the game completing six passes for 54 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
"I thought really good moments," Stefanski said. "Obviously, we hadn't given up much on defense, but the game script had changed with them getting those early points. I thought the guys battled throughout, but I know there's plenty that we can probably do better."
However, as the game progressed, the Jets utilized the run game to their advantage. DE Myles Garrett said the Jets shifted their offensive approach as to avoid turning the game into a drop-back game. New York finished the game with 167 net rushing yards, and RB Breece Hall leading the team with 83 rushing yards on 21 carries. Fields also found Hall on a screen pass, which he turned into a 42-yard reception and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
"They were moving in the pocket, doing what they could to take the [pass] rush out of it," Garrett said. "I think their commitment to that, trying to wear us down, they made the plays they needed to. It was a good screen [on the Breece Hall touchdown]. Credit to them, they made the plays they needed to down the stretch."
Then, on the last offensive drive by the Jets, the Browns had two key defensive penalties that allowed the Jets to seal the game.
With 1:56 left in the game, LB Devin Bush was called for defensive holding on third-and-16. The penalty gave the Jets an automatic first down, extending their possession. Cleveland then stopped New York again on three consecutive plays bringing up fourth down. However, DE Cameron Thomas was called for a neutral zone infraction, allowing the Jets to kneel out the game.
"It's frustrating. There are plenty of frustrating things to go around," Garrett said. "I don't want my guy Cam [Thomas] to lose confidence and think that he lost the game for us, that's not the case. There were so many plays in the game, and you can't let one hang on you and take away your confidence in who you are as a player. This is a learning moment for him. He'll have more opportunities to make the most out of it."
