The Cincinnati Bengals had some good news as they scored a kickoff return touchdown for the first time in four seasons, and quarterback Joe Burrow finally got a win in Cleveland thanks to a strong defensive performance.
However, the Bengals still face many issues.
Charlie Jones’ 100-yard return at the start of Sunday’s game was the only points for Cincinnati in the first half. The Bengals punted five times and lost the ball on their other drives during that half.
Even with a slow start that has become normal for them, the Bengals (3-4) managed to gather enough offense to win 21-14 against the Browns, who lost their quarterback Deshaun Watson for the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Burrow threw touchdown passes in the third quarter to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, helping the Bengals secure their third win in four games after losing three in a row at the start of the season. This marked their first road win in the series against the Browns since 2017.
Burrow ended the game with 181 yards, completing 15 of 25 passes, while often running away from the pressure from Cleveland’s defense. He was sacked three times, but Myles Garrett, a player he usually struggles against, did not sack him.
“Our defense really stepped up the last two weeks,” Burrow said. “Big special teams touchdown … so it’s nice to see that other units are picking up the slack where others aren’t. And that’s what football is all about. So, we found ways to win the last two weeks.”
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said, “We’ll take them how we can get them.”
