# Charlie Smyth Secures Overtime Win for Saints in NFL Return Irish kicker Charlie Smyth delivers match-winning performance as New Orleans edges past Cleveland Browns. - **Source:** [TheJournal.ie](https://www.thejournal.ie) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bbf05da9-d154-4924-8fe5-f93acb0712f1 ## Dramatic NFL Return Irish kicker Charlie Smyth made a significant impact in his return to the New Orleans Saints, securing a 23-22 overtime victory against the Cleveland Browns. Recently recalled to the active roster following Daniel Carlson's release, the 25-year-old Down native proved decisive in his first game back this season. ## Scoring Breakdown Smyth contributed three field goals and two extra points throughout the contest. He opened the scoring with a 30-yard field goal, missed a 52-yard attempt, but successfully converted from 48 yards in the fourth quarter. His final extra point following Juwan Johnson's touchdown ultimately sealed the narrow victory for New Orleans. ## Overtime Intensity The game reached overtime tied at 16-16. Tyler Shough’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Juwan Johnson provided the Saints a lead, while Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders responded with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin. The Browns' failed two-point conversion attempt allowed the Saints to hold on for their first home win. ## Roster Management Smyth’s path to the active roster was unconventional, having been cut from the 53-man squad before the season began. He remained with the team on the practice squad after signing a three-year deal last December. Head coach Kellen Moore’s decision to recall him proved vital for the 3-5 Saints. ## League-Wide Performances Elsewhere in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes overcame a right elbow injury to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a 35-12 win over the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow threw three touchdowns as the Cincinnati Bengals defeated Atlanta 34-17 in Madrid, marking their fourth consecutive victory this season. ## Divisional Dynamics The Cincinnati Bengals improved to a 6-2 record, moving level with the idle Pittsburgh Steelers atop the AFC North division. The Denver Broncos continued their momentum with a 7-2 record following a 26-21 win over Carolina, while the San Francisco 49ers maintained an NFL-best 7-1 record after defeating the Raiders. ## Injury and Resilience Mahomes suffered his elbow injury after being sacked by Jets rookie David Bailey in the second quarter. Despite the setback, he completed 23-of-31 passes for 242 yards. He credited his offensive line for protection and his teammates for rallying behind him to secure the win during the second half. ## Strategic Implications The Saints' victory highlights the critical role of special teams in tight, low-scoring matchups. As the season progresses, teams like the 6-2 Chiefs and Bengals are solidifying their playoff positioning. Smyth’s successful return provides New Orleans with much-needed stability in the kicking position as they aim to improve their record. ## Sources covering this story - [TheJournal.ie — Charlie Smyth Leads New Orleans Saints to Overtime Victory](https://www.thejournal.ie/charlie-smyth-new-orleans-saints-return-2-7220265-Nov2026/) - [RTÉ Sport — Charlie Smyth Leads Saints to Overtime Victory Against Browns](https://www.rte.ie/sport/us-sport/2026/1108/1598462-nfl-returning-smyth-helps-saints-to-overtime-victory/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._