Browns studs and duds: Secondary torched by Bengals in Week 14

The entire Cleveland Browns secondary struggled in Week 14 as the Bengals won 23-10. Here are the studs and duds from the loss.

Another loss dropped the Cleveland Browns to 5-8 and dampened spirits following a two-game winning streak.

What’s worse is, they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, allowing their in-state rivals to stay in first place in the AFC North. It also means they’re no longer undefeated against Joe Burrow.

It was a frustrating loss but let’s look back and identify a few of the studs and duds from Week 14.

Cleveland Browns Stud: Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End

Yes, there was one terrible play from Jadeveon Clowney but outside of that, he completely dominated La’el Collins and was disruptive all day.

Clowney drew a hold on Collins, which negated a first-down pass on third-and-five for the Bengals. Instead, Cincinnati had to face a third-and-15 and an incomplete pass forced another punt — unfortunately, the Bengals got it back as a roughing the kicker penalty on Tony Fields gave them a new set of downs.

Clowney continued to dominate his guy as he blew up Joe Burrow for a sack a couple of plays later but a penalty for illegal use of the hands again gave them a first down.

He also tipped a pass that wound up being picked off by Deion Jones, and that one wasn’t blown by any teammates getting flagged.

As for his one huge gaffe, Clowney completely missed Samaje Perine on his touchdown run. Clowney had a shot to tackle him but it was as if he didn’t even see him and he ran past him. As bad as that was, he still stood out for his positive play throughout the day.

Cleveland Browns Dud: Tony Fields II, Linebacker

Cleveland’s defense started out playing very well, forcing three punts in a row to start the game. They made it four in a row originally as Joe Burrow missed Samaje Perine on third-and-15. That led to a punt from their own 17, but they were given a new set of downs thanks to a roughing the kicker penalty on Tony Fields II.

That gave the Bengals 15 yards and a fresh set of downs. Of course, Burrow took advantage of the opportunity and was able to lead his team down the field for the first touchdown of the game.

Fields entered the game off his best performance ever as a pro and had this huge mistake early, which had to be frustrating for the young man who was gaining so much confidence.

Stud: Myles Garrett, EDGE

In the third quarter, facing a 10-point deficit, the Browns needed someone on defense to step up — and Myles Garrett answered the call. On the Bengals’ first possession in the third quarter, he registered the first sack of the game to force Cincinnati into a third-and-13.

On that third down, he swatted the ball when Burrow attempted the pass, forcing another punt. Garrett finished with six tackles and two sacks as he continues to put up elite numbers this season. He’s also made it clear that he won’t slow down simply because their playoff chances are dwindling.

Garrett now has 12 sacks on the season as he continues to prove he’s one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns Dud: Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle

The entire Cleveland offensive line struggled against the Bengals but when that happens, they usually need their star players to step up and make a difference. Not only did this never happen in Week 14 but Jack Conklin made things worse as he was called for holding twice.

The first came on a first-and-10 from their own 30. Cleveland just got seven yards from Nick Chubb but the run ended up not counting as Conklin was flagged. They walked back 10 yards and ended up having to punt.

His second hold also started a drive out on a bad note as he was flagged at Cleveland’s 29, setting up a first-and-20 from their own 19. They overcame that one to get a first down and David Njoku scored a touchdown but it still wasn’t the best showing from Conklin.

Cleveland Browns Stud: David Njoku, Tight End

Cleveland got the win over Houston in Week 13 but it was clear their offense missed David Njoku. The hero from their win over Tampa Bay was out with a knee injury but came back against the Bengals and had another day to remember.

In the third quarter, with the Browns trailing 20-3, Njoku completely took over a drive. He hauled in a six-yard pass on fourth-and-five and then caught the next two passes as well, going for 14 yards and then a 13-yard touchdown.

Njoku finished the day with seven receptions on nine targets for 59 yards and a touchdown. He’s continued to excel and ended up hauling in the first touchdown pass of the season for Deshaun Watson.

Cleveland Browns Dud: Denzel Ward

Not long after the Tony Fields penalty gave the Bengals the ball back, Denzel Ward found himself getting picked on. First, he was flagged for pass interference on Ja’Marr Chase, giving their opponent 33 yards for free.

That same drive ended with Burrow again targeting Ward as he hit Chase for a 15-yard touchdown to go up 7-0. John Johnson III was there as well but neither player seemed to know where the ball was as they surrendered the touchdown.

Ward wasn’t alone in his struggles as the entire secondary had issues coming up with key stops.

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