Cleveland Browns: 3 takeaways from the loss to the Bengals

The Cleveland Browns are still seeking a win in 2016 after a 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, dropping the Browns to 0-7 on the year.

The Cleveland Browns were not expected to be great in 2016. The Browns were not even supposed to be “good,” but no one expected this.

An 0-7 record is staring Browns fans in the eyes after a 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon. Fans were given some early excitement thanks to a 10-7 lead in the second quarter, but the Bengals finished the half with 14 unanswered points, including a Hail Mary touchdown right before halftime.

The game saw the Browns go to yet another quarterback in Kevin Hogan, as Cody Kessler stood no chance behind the makeshift offensive line. Injuries have not helped the situation, but it is unfair for the quarterbacks on this team to continue taking big hits every week. Some of these are the quarterbacks’ fault, but these constant injuries are not seen on successful teams. Or even average ones.

This latest loss further fuels the conversation of the possibility of an 0-16 season, but with nine games to play, the Browns have plenty of time to come together and win at least one game. Right?

Next week’s game against the New York Jets may be the best remaining opportunity to pick up a win, but if Kessler isn’t healthy, that means Hogan is set to be the fourth starting quarterback for the team this season. He looked good in Cincinnati, but he may not be able to catch the Jets’ defense by surprise in a week. Then there is the defense, which only seems to be getting worse as the season progresses.

It was another tough loss to handle, and certain things stood out above the rest. So while we wait for a win, let’s look at some takeaways from the loss to the Bengals.