Cincinnati is getting closer to the playoffs. First loss for DeShaun Watson with his new team.
Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) – Cleveland Browns (5-8): 23-10
Confrontation between 2 teams of the AFC North division, 1st opposition of this kind for DeShaun Watson which is the 2nd tenure.
With this 5th consecutive victory, Cincinnati is getting closer to the playoffs. In Cleveland, this defeat can question the coaching of Kevin Stefanski, who decided to involve Deshaun Watson more (26/42, 276 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT). Bet lost since the Browns may have said goodbye to the playoffs.
Cleveland aggressive but Cincinnati clinical
After a 1st quarter where Cleveland was aggressive by attempting a 4th failed attempt by Jacoby Brissett who wanted to find Donovan Peoples-Jones (8 REC, 114 yards), we have to wait for the 2nd quarter to see the first points of the encounter.
Despite the loss of Tee Higgins then Tyler Boyd, injured finger, Joe Burrow (18/33, 239 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) manages to find his favorite receiver Ja’Marr Chase (10 REC, 119 yards, 1 TD ) between 2 defenders. His first touchdown in a month and a half for the Bengals receiver.
Zac Taylor’s team then made a first gap with a touchdown from Samaje Perine, breaking a tackle. The difference is there compared to Cleveland which is satisfied with 3 points with even an attempt of ave maria to finish halftime on behalf of Watson. Which frustrated rookie kicker Cade York who was ready to attempt the 3-point field goal despite the long distance.
Forgotten Nick Chubb
More inspired, Cincinnati is widening the gap thanks to a flea-flicker, Joe Burrow finding Trenton Irwin for a 45-yard touchdown. But Cleveland responds immediately with a fine offensive series led by DeShaun Watson. The Browns quarterback finds tight end David Njoku, forced to extend his arm to close the gap.
And after a field goal from MacPherson, Cleveland and Cincinnati exchange interceptions. Jesse Bates intercepts a bad pass from Watson which was aimed at Donovan Peoples-Jones. While Joe Burrow sees his pass, deflected by Jadeveon Cloweney, being intercepted by Deion Jones.
Unfortunately, Cleveland does not capitalize and Kévin Stefanski forgets Nick Chubb (14 carries, 34 yards) in the offensive game plan. The consequence is not long in coming. Watson finds neither Amari Cooper nor Donovan Peoples-Jones (8 REC, 114 yards) in the red zone and Cleveland gives Cincinnati the opportunity to end the match. What Joe Mixon will do who obtains the 1st attempt, allowing Joe Burrow to put his knee on the ground.
Victorious Flea-Flicker for Joe Burrow and the Bengals 😍#CLEvsCIN #RuleTheJungle
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— DNA of Sports.com – NFL News 🏈 (@DNA of Sports) December 11, 2022
