For the third straight year, the Cincinnati Bengals swept the Cleveland Browns in the Battle of Ohio. Cleveland lost in Cincy on Sunday 30-16.
Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer kept the Browns in the game but could not get them over the top. He also left the game in the second quarter and was checked for a concussion. Kizer missed just one series and finished with 268 yards passing and a rushing touchdown.
The running game bounced back from a forgetful performance last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Running back Isaiah Crowell set the tone early on Sunday and finished with 95 yards on 16 carries. Running back Duke Johnson and Kizer also chipped in to the running attack. The Browns as a team finished with 31 carries for a spectacular 169 yards, but it still was not enough.
Finally, the defense let the offense down. After playing so well last week, they struggled to stop the Bengals, especially against the run. Bengals rookie running back Joe Mixon had 23 carries for 114 yards and one touchdown. The Browns tackling was not up to par as Mixon finished his runs with authority.
The passing defense was far from perfect, but it held its own. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns. Cornerback Jason McCourty shadowed star wide receiver A.J. Green most of the game, limiting him to just five catches and just 66 yards. However, even with Green being held in check, the Bengals spread the ball around, as Dalton completed a pass to seven different receivers. The Browns pass rush struggled, too – defensive end Myles Garrett had the only sack of the game for the Browns.
The Browns travel west next week to take on the Los Angeles Chargers, the team they beat last year for their only win of the season. It will be a much tougher task this time around, as the Chargers have won four straight.
Luckily for the Browns, wide receiver Josh Gordon is set to make his season debut after missing the last three seasons due to suspension.