Cleveland Browns: Instant reactions to Week 14 win over Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals were either going to be a welcome tonic to whatever ails the Browns or the hemlock that would make the remaining games virtually unwatchable. Instead, fans were treated to a little of both.
The Cleveland Browns remain one of the most confusing teams in the NFL. After a loss last week to the Pittsburgh Steelers that effectively ended their playoff hopes, the headlines this week suggested a locker room in disarray. At least for a week, the Cleveland Browns will keep their playoff hopes on life support after a 27-19 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
But it wasn’t the runaway win many fans would have hoped for. That’s because, initially, the Browns came out throwing and seemed to forget that they have the NFL’s leading rusher in Nick Chubb. Oh, and they have Kareem Hunt as well.
Instead, the first quarter was dominated by Cincinnati in every aspect except for the scoreboard. The Bengals took the opening kickoff ad marched down the field for a field goal on their initial possession.
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The Browns first possession ended with a questionable fumble call against tight end David Njoku (that was later ruled a slightly less questionable interception against quarterback Baker Mayfield).
However, Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton gave the turnover right back when an off-target pass landed in the arms of Browns cornerback Denzel Ward who returned it for a touchdown. But that would be the extent of the scoring for the Browns as the first quarter ended with the Browns up 7-6.
The Bengals continued to keep the Browns off balance and on the field while dominating the time of possession and taking a 13-7 lead early in the second quarter.
Then the Browns turned in a drive that showed a maddening glimpse of what this offense was supposed to look like all year. The Browns took a 14-13 lead into the half. It was what happened on the first drive of the second half that made this game so confusing.
The second half saw the Browns run the ball and make just enough plays on defense. Until the Browns had an opportunity to literally run the clock down and decided to pass. Baker Mayfield’s third interception of the day was overturned by a pass interference call on an official’s review.
Honestly, it was a confusing game from two confusing teams. But the Browns did just enough to get the win. I’m glad for the win, but there were far too many times when the game could have needlessly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Here are some other running-inspired observations …
The Browns continue to run the ball very well
When the Browns run the ball, the whole offense looks better. Running the ball gives this team an identity. To start the third quarter, the Browns came out in a two-back set for the first time. This is a formation that has been working well for the team. Not surprisingly, the Browns marched down the field and the drive ended with a three-yard touchdown run by Kareem Hunt.
The offensive success continued on the Browns next drive. Protecting a five-point lead, the Browns used the clock and once again ended a drive with points. As the season turns into the home stretch, running the ball is even more important.
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are the engines that fuel this offense. It’s that simple, but there’s nothing simple about this team this year.
The defense is running on fumes
For the first time since maybe the San Francisco game, I saw the Browns defensive line get pushed around. For most of the year, this line has been stout against the run. However, the Bengals ran early and often. In fact, if it wasn’t for Bengals head coach Zac Taylor calling a pass play on first-and-goal from the Browns two-yard line, this game might have ended differently.
Injuries have taken their toll. But one thing is for sure, the Cleveland Browns defense is sputtering to the finish line.
Freddie Kitchens is running out of time
The Cleveland Browns are winning in spite of Freddie Kitchens, not because of him. The Browns still have the opportunity for an 8-win season, and given the team’s recent history that’s nothing to easily dismiss. But whereas last year’s team seemed to be coming together, this year’s team seems to be coming apart.
Landry shows frustration with coaches. dark. Next
The Jekyll and Hyde use of the running game in a win that should have been much more comfortable is a too-familiar pattern.