The Bengals took on the Cleveland Browns in week 18’s season finale. Having already been eliminated from playoff contention, it was the final chance for certain players to showcase their game for a potential spot next season. Additionally, the outcome of this game would impact the final draft order, with a loss being the better result, from that perspective.
Cleveland was the first team to pick up a 1st down, after the Bengals went 3 and out on their opening drive. However, Cam Sample forced a fumble, which was recovered by Howard Cross III, ending the drive there.
Cincinnati capitalized on the turnover. A 21 yard completion from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins was the highlight of the drive. It was Chase Brown who was on the receiving end of the TD pass. It was from 4 yards out on 2nd & goal. McPherson’s extra point attempt was tipped, resulting in the ball hooking wide.
6-0 Bengals.
Later, the Bengals were driving again. The run game and passing attack were both rolling, as the offence was slicing through Cleveland’s defence like butter. However, on 1st & goal at the 7, Burrow’s pass was tipped at the line and popped up high into the air. Bush picked it off, before returning it 97 yards the other way for a TD.
7-6 Browns.
Shortly after, the Browns defence struck again. This time, it was off a Noah Fant fumble. It was scooped up by Webb and returned 47 yards for a TD. Funny enough, it was the third Fant fumble this season that was returned for a TD, and like the other two, the ball was forced out at the end of a tackle attempt, as he was going to the ground.
14-6 Browns.
The Bengals would respond before the half. A 21 yard completion to Chase got the drive going. But the rest of the way, it was about methodical, shorter pickups. It was Tee Higgins who ended up finding the end zone. He made a 1 handed catch in the end zone to complete the 13 yard score. Higgins was able to create early separation on the play and, despite pass interference from the defender, he made the catch over his shoulder. For the second time, though, McPherson missed the extra point. And on this one, there was no tip. He just hooked it wide right.
14-12 Browns at the half.
The Browns started off the 3rd quarter with a 7 minute drive. They got inside the Cincinnati 10 yard line, but the drive stalled out, and Szmyt kicked a 27 yard field goal.
17-12 Browns.
Afterwards, the teams proceeded to trade punts a couple of times. Both teams, at times, were able to move the ball. But when it came down to getting into scoring position, they just couldn’t make it happen.
Late in the game, however, the Bengals went to work. The 2 minute drill was highly effective, as Burrow leaned on Chase and Higgins multiple times. With just over a minute left, Burrow found Chase from 4 yards out to give Cincy the lead for the first time since the 1st quarter. They attempted the 2 point conversion, but it was unsuccessful. It was still just a 1 point game.
18-17 Bengals.
With 1:29 remaining, it was Cleveland’s turn to run the hurry up offence. Sanders converted on 3rd & 10 by finding Bond, a fellow rookie, for 13 yards. Then, on 3rd & 1, he hit Jeudy for 11 yards. Now just within field goal range, the Browns ran the ball three times, picking up another handful of yards, and sent Szmyt out there to attempt the game winner. From 49 yards, his attempt was good.
20-18 Browns, final.
The Bengals, after this loss, finish 6-11 on the year. It was actually beneficial to lose, as the Bengals retained the 10th overall draft position, rather than dropping down to 11. Additionally, they could have picked as high as 8, had the Saints and Chiefs won, but both lost close games.
All in all, it is the concussion of a very disappointing season for the Bengals. The offence, despite injuries, was able to keep things afloat. Unfortunately, the defence was abysmal for most of the year, and did not start showing improvement until it was too late.
As mentioned, the Bengals head into the offence with the 10th overall draft selection. The focus will now shift to prospect evaluations, as well as free agency.
