by This content is sponsored by – https://keeonsports.com/sponsors/
Thanks in part to a dominant defensive effort along with a solid rushing attack, the Cleveland Browns secured only their third opening week victory since returning to the NFL in 1999 with a 24-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Oddly enough, the defeated the Bengals to open the 93 and 94 regular seasons as well.
The big hitters today were the Browns defense that only allowed 3 points and held Joe Burrow to just 14 of 31 passing for a paltry 82 yards. Remarkably, the Browns actually lost the turnover battle, but didn’t allow any Bengal points off the interception and fumble that they gave up.
The Browns also dominated the line of scrimmage on the offensive side as well, and Nick Chubb took advantage with 106 yards on 18 carries. Jerome Ford rebounded from a fumble on his first carry, to tally up 36 yards on 15 carries.
Deshaun Watson did not play well in the first half, consistently missing wide open receivers. He didn’t look sharp, but got hot when they needed him too, as he finished with 154 yards on 16 of 29 passing with a touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for a touchdown and 45 yards on 5 carries.
Not a single Cleveland wideout broke 45 yards receiving, and their only touchdown catch came from backup tight end Harrison Bryant. It wasn’t exactly the high-octane offense many fans expected. If you recall, rumors of a bad passing game in the closed scrimmages against Philadelphia seem to be popping up again now.
The star of the game was placekicker Dustin Hopkins who went 3 of 3 on field goals from 42, 34 and 43 yards. By him playing so well, head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t have to go for it like he liked to do so much last year and decided to take the points. Those 9 points loomed large!
All in all, the offense looked bad, the defense and special teams looked good. Onto week two we go as the Browns will travel to Pittsburgh for Monday Night Football as they take on the 0-1 Steelers who opened their season with a 30-7 blowout from the 49ers.
