The Cincinnati Bengals got the season back on track in Week 7 with a win over the Cleveland Browns.
A 21-14 final saw Joe Burrow’s offense experience big struggles at points. But a defense improving by the week kept things manageable until some of Burrow’s best weapons could break free.
Here’s a look at some quick notes and numbers to know from right after the game went final.
Quick Thoughts
- Stunner of a start for special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. On the opening kickoff, tight end Drew Sample was back deep with Charlie Jones, a new wrinkle. Sample proceeded to throw a block that sprang Jones for a 100-yard score.
- At least in the first half, the Bengals defense looked more composed than it had all season. It didn’t fall for trick plays and even guys like Joseph Ossai were getting run stops.
- Zac Taylor went for and failed on a fourth down early. Fans might find fault with it, especially in field goal range, but it felt refreshing to see the aggressiveness after so many conservative looks in recent weeks.
- Bengals were hammering Deshaun Watson before his serious-looking injury. Good pressure day for the offense.
- That Burrow touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase is just unguardable. Good coverage by the Browns, but just an uncanny connection on timing and placement from two guys with literally thousands of reps together.
- Tee Higgins busting out that touchdown was gritty and just more proof of how badly they need to get him on an extension, too.
- The Bengals are pretty lucky the Browns didn’t have Jameis Winston active after Watson went down. That Cleveland offense was mistimed and inaccurate, or moreso anyway, once the injury happened.
- Sam Hubbard and Geno Stone recorded interceptions, nice moments for both players who have been looking to rebound after slow starts.
Key Stat
2-of-12: We’ve written endlessly about the Bengals playing down to their competition. This horrible number on third downs is a big reason why this game wasn’t a massive blowout.
Game Balls
WR Ja’Marr Chase: He just turns everything into a threat to score. On the day, he caught five passes for 55 yards and the touchdown.
DE Joseph Ossai: How about Ossai getting what felt like a big snap count and turning in a strong showing in all facets of the game? It’s key depth they need to be effective all season.
Top Takeaway
Go time: Many will bemoan the offense’s showing on Sunday. But it really wasn’t all that shocking after the line struggled against the Giants’ front seven last week. This was an ugly AFC North game and the line lost Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle. Now, the Bengals are 3-4 with two more winnable games right in front of them before a rematch with Baltimore.
