Ben Child
CLEVELAND — Because the Cincinnati Bengals spilled into the tunnel main into the visiting locker room at Huntington Financial institution Subject, the sentiment was clear.
In some way, the Bengals discovered a technique to beat the Cleveland Browns, 17-16, regardless of one of many group's worst offensive performances in recent times. The Bengals totaled simply 141 offensive yards, the fewest in coach Zac Taylor's tenure. However for a group that carried the NFL's worst report within the opening two weeks of the season courting again to 2019, Taylor's first 12 months, the one factor that mattered was strolling off the sphere with a victory.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledged simply how lucky Cincinnati was to flee the northern model of the Battle of Ohio with a win.
“Any time you possibly can win like this, you form of steal one,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow mentioned. “We stole one at present. We'll need to do higher.”
Traditionally, there have been causes for Cincinnati's offensive struggles, particularly towards the Browns. In 2023, the final time the Bengals opened the season towards Cleveland, Burrow was nonetheless battling by means of a strained calf he suffered in coaching camp. To compound issues, your complete stadium was seemingly ensconced in a moist mist that made throwing the ball a problem.
Neither of these issues had been an element on Sunday. It was a 63-degree day without work Lake Erie with no cloud seen from the north aspect of the stadium. Burrow was coming off a completely wholesome offseason and probably the most regular build-up to a season since he was drafted with the No. 1 general choose in 2020.
Nevertheless, one fixed in these matchups nonetheless remained: Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett. By the tip of the sport, Garrett became the game-wrecker who had sacked Burrow 10 instances in earlier matchups. Garrett completed with two sacks and was a significant motive why the Bengals gained simply seven offensive yards within the second half. In line with Elias Sports activities Bureau, it was the bottom whole by a profitable group since 1995.
“It is powerful to search out anyone higher than that man,” mentioned Burrow, who was 14-of-23 passing for a landing and 113 passing yards, the third-lowest in his profession.
A number of Browns mishaps had been the rationale Cincinnati may afford such low offensive yardage and nonetheless win, together with a pair of particular groups gaffes. Kicker Andre Szmyt missed the PAT after quarterback Joe Flacco's 5-yard landing move to huge receiver Cedric Tillman on the opening drive of the second half. Szmyt later missed a possible go-ahead, 36-yard discipline objective with 2:22 remaining.
After the sport, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned he is “not there but” when requested about making a change or bringing in competitors for Szmyt, who made his NFL common season debut after the group launched incumbent Dustin Hopkins on Aug. 26.
“There's going to be conditions like this once more, and he'll make these kicks,” defensive finish Myles Garrett mentioned, “and we will be higher for it. We'll win these video games. There is no extra scrutiny on him than the remainder of us.”
On high of the missed kicks, Cleveland had two interceptions. Each got here on deflections off of Browns receivers that had been plucked by Bengals defenders, together with a late interception from cornerback DJ Turner that ended Cleveland's greatest likelihood at a game-winning drive. Final season, Cincinnati's protection was the first motive the Bengals missed the playoffs for the second straight 12 months and squandered Burrow's greatest season.
In opposition to the Browns, Cincinnati's defensive unit was capable of make amends and provides a powerful account after an offseason full of questions.
“We do not even attempt to get into the surface noise,” Turner mentioned. “The entire offseason, we knew what we may do. We simply need to do it once more.”
And for a group that had a mixed 1-11 report in Weeks 1 and a couple of of the season, there was no apologizing for gutting out a win within the AFC North.
“Neglect in regards to the stats, neglect in regards to the rating, neglect about the way it all performed out,” Taylor mentioned after the sport. “One of the best consequence may have been one and oh. And we're pleased with that.”
