142! That’s right, the Bengals only had 142 total yards in the game as the Browns put a sleeper hold on the Bengal’s offense and Joe Burrow.
A key play of the game was a 4th down and 4 for the Bengals in the 4th quarter, when Myles Garrett came flying around to put Burrow down on the ground. Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit, and Za’Darius Smith were flying around the field as well and all three made multiple plays in the game to really cramp the offense of the Bengals.
Deshaun Watson did not have his best day with his arm throwing 16 for 29 for 154 yards with one touchdown and one interception but when needed he made key throws and runs with his legs.
But the Browns won the day with their legs led by Nick Chubb who had another 100-yard-plus day running for 106 yards on 18 carries. The Browns ran for over 200 yards, running for 204 on the ground.
The Browns were nursing a 3-0 lead at the end of the 1st half with a 3rd and 10 at midfield. Watson found Amari Cooper for eleven yards and first down, and from there, the Browns marched down the field ending with a Watson run for a 13-yard touchdown!
The throw to Cooper along with the Watson run up the middle really gave the team a lift into the locker room and the Browns never looked back.
The Browns for the first time since 1993, 1994 win back-to-back openers and the defense has set an early tone for the Cleveland Browns.
Oh, by the way, the kicking game had no issues as Dustin Hopkins went 3 for 3 on field goals. On to Pitt!
In the NFL season opener, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 24-3. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland’s quarterback, played a crucial role in the victory by running for a 13-yard touchdown and throwing another touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant. Watson’s performance showcased the dynamic plays the Browns had hoped for when they signed him to a $230 million contract in 2022. It’s worth noting that Watson had missed 11 games in the previous season due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
Watson’s presence on the field this season had the Browns expecting significant improvements, and he didn’t disappoint. He also successfully converted a 2-point try with a run up the middle after his touchdown pass celebration.
On the other hand, Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s quarterback and the NFL’s new highest-paid player with a five-year, $275 million extension, had a challenging season opener. He was held to a career-worst 82-yards passing, completing 14 of 31 attempts, as Cleveland’s revamped defensive line continuously pressured him throughout the game. Myles Garrett’s sack on Burrow on a crucial fourth down play sealed the Browns’ decisive victory. The Bengals struggled to make offensive progress, punting 10 times in 14 possessions.
Dustin Hopkins, in his debut for the Browns, contributed with three successful field goals from 42, 34, and 43 yards. The game marked the 100th “Battle of Ohio,” although it lacked many memorable moments. Despite the lackluster gameplay, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski continued his successful record against the Bengals, improving to 6-1 in matchups against their in-state rival.
Watson’s touchdown run came on a well-executed draw play, putting the Browns ahead 10-0 at the end of a messy first half where both teams struggled to move the ball effectively. Burrow’s limited mobility, likely affected by a calf sprain that kept him out of most of training camp, and the unfavorable weather conditions added to Cincinnati’s offensive struggles. The Bengals managed only seven punts, crossed midfield twice, and gained just 97 yards in the first half.
Browns: A Monday night trip to Pittsburgh to play the rival Steelers on Sept. 18.
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