Cleveland Browns (1-0) – Cincinnati Bengals (0-1): 24-3
In this AFC North duel, there was only one team on the field. Yet favorites, the Bengals made a poor copy with 142 yards in attack. Joe Burrow was only a shadow of himself, unable to find solutions against a ferocious defensive line on the Cleveland side. Deshaun Watson, for his part, had a solid game, with the exception of an ugly interception.
What is symptomatic of this match is that no player really stands out from Cleveland’s defensive performance. Each player participated in a collective and spectacular work. The group is living well, and it shows on the pitch. On offense, it was the run that shone with Nick Chubb leading the charge.
With this first victory, Cleveland is off to a good start in the AFC North while Cincinnati will already have to play with fear in week 2 against the Ravens.
Defenses and ground play
98 yards and 0 points. Here is the poor assessment of the Bengals attack in the first act, led by Joe Burrow far from his best level. We must also highlight a good performance from the Browns defensive line, which constantly put the Cincinnati offensive line in difficulty.
It was 17 seconds before halftime that the Browns scored the first touchdown of the game, thanks to a run by Deshaun Watson (10-0). It is the realization of a domination on the ground of the Browns, always as comfortable in the exercise. Nick Chubb is still the leader of the attack, and his line was able to open up spaces for him.
Cleveland Masters
The rest of the game is a long agony for the Bengals. Unable to produce offensive play, they were subjected to pressure again and again, with Myles Garrett and Ogbo Okoronkwo as their tormentors. Deshaun Watson improves this domination, notably with a touchdown for Harrison Bryant (24-3). Indisputable victory for Cleveland, who dominated head and shoulders.
