The Bengals still had playoff seeding to play for in their week 18 matchup against the Browns. However, Zac Taylor decided it was best to put health first. Most starters, including Joe Burrow, Logan Wilson, Evan McPherson and Tee Higgins were rested. As well, other starters like Trey Hendrickson and Trey Hopkins were on the covid list. Ja’Marr Chase needed only a handful of yards to break Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson’s single season record of 1440, set back in 2007. Chase made 2 catches for 26 yards, putting him at 1455 yards, 15 ahead of Johnson. With a preseason squad on the field, the Bengals kept it close, but ultimately could not pull off the win.
The Bengals defence held up well early in the game. However, the Browns would eventually find the end zone twice, going up 14-0 in the 2nd quarter. Case Keenum found Jarvis Landry down the field for a 26 yard score before D’Ernest Johnson would run one in from 4 yards out.
The Bengals defence would later get some of the points back. As Case Keenum rolled out of the pocket, he was chased down by Wyatt Ray, who was able to force a fumble. The ball was scooped up by Trayvon Henderson, who returned it 29 yards to the house, making it 14-7. It stayed that way at the half, thanks to a Mike Hilton interception in the end zone as the clock expired.
The Bengals first drive of the 3rd quarter totaled 14 plays. Trayveon Williams was involved often and had some nice runs. A pass interference call on the Browns moved the chains for the Bengals on 3rd down. They were able to get to the Cleveland 11 before a penalty and sack detailed the drive. Fill-in kicker Elliott Fry’s attempt was successful, making it 14-10.
Later on, the Browns started with good field position, and proceeded to be carried down the field on the shoulders of D’Ernest Johnson. Johnson touched the ball on mine straight plays, totaling 47 yards. On the tenth play, Case Keenum found the rookie Felton for the TD, making it 21-10.
The Bengals attempted a comeback. Brandon Allen was able to find Trent Taylor down the field a couple of times. As well, Chris Evans and Mitchell Wilcox help move the ball. Cincinnati ended up in a 4th & 1 situation on the Cleveland 4 yard line. They successfully converted, as Allen completed his pass to Chris Evans, who managed to get into the end zone. They went for 2, but Allen’s pass for Trent Taylor fell incomplete, as there seemed to be some miscommunication on the play.
With the score at 21-16 for the Browns, the Bengals attempted an inside kick. Fry kicked it along the ground and the ball gave him a good hop as it advanced. Harrison Bryant bobbled it, providing the Bengals a great opportunity to pounce on it. However, AJ Green (the Browns CB) was able to come up with the ball.
The Bengals were swept by the Browns and finish the regular season at 10-7. That record was enough to win them the division and earned them the 4th seed in the AFC. Following the conclusion of all the remaining games, it has been determined that the Bengals will host the Las Vegas Raiders at Paul Brown Stadium during the Wildcard weekend. The date and time set is Saturday, January 15, at 1:30pm PT/4:30pm EST.
