The Bengals, fresh off signing their franchise QB to a new mega deal, got their season underway on the road in Cleveland against the Browns. After a slow start last year, the team was hoping for a different result in this year’s opener. However, in a game that was significantly impacted by poor weather, the execution just wasn’t there.
The game started out as a defensive battle, with neither offence being able to move the ball very much to start. A few drives in, the Browns did finally advance deep into Bengals territory, but Germaine Pratt forced a fumble, which was recovered by Chidobe Awuzie. Unfortunately, the Bengals couldn’t capitalize, and punted.
Cleveland took a 3-0 lead early in the second quarter, and then added to it late in the half. Elijah Moore got things going with a 19 yard pickup, before intermediate completions to Cooper and Peoples-Jones advanced the ball deep into Bengals territory. A Watson TD run put the Browns up 10-0 at the half.
Cincinnati finally managed to put some points on the board on their first drive of the second half. However, a field goal was disappointing after they got down to the 24 yardline. As well, the fact that 18 of their 30 yards picked up on the drive came via a pass interference penalty, wasn’t a great sign for the offence. Still, it was a one score game, 10-3.
The Bengals were unable to capitalize on a Daxton Hill interception, with Evan McPherson missing a 51 yard field goal attempt. Cleveland would then regain their 10 point lead with a field goal.
Things continued to get out of hand for the Bengals. Cleveland would add another field goal, and then a TD, along with the 2 point conversion. Cincinnati, meanwhile, let Jake Browning finish off the game at QB, capping off a disappointing day from top to bottom.
It is never good to start the season off with a loss, let alone a divisional one. But the Bengals will get another chance next week. It is their home opener, and they will take on the Baltimore Ravens.
Homescreen Image Via: Eric Drost (CC)