Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) – Cleveland Browns (11-6): 31-14
A match without stakes does not mean a match without rivalry. And the Battle of the Ohio is a family affair.
As the Bengals head into their offseason, the Browns had decided to line up their replacements, who already have their place secured for the playoffs. But facing their intimate enemy, and on their home field, the tigers wanted to finish their season in style while maintaining a positive balance sheet for the season.
The meeting was one-sided, with Cincinnati taking a five-score lead in the first three quarters while Cleveland put together 7 punts in a row punctuated by 2 interceptions. The last period is a long garbage time, which however allows the browns to score twice to save the honor.
Conquering tigers
In the Ohio confrontation, both teams showed their excitement at the start of the game. Jeff Driskel (QB, 13/26, 166 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT) then Jake Browning (QB, 18/24, 156 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT) were each intercepted on their first series. But Cincinnati raises its head first. Joe Mixon (RB, 116 yards, 2 TD) on the ground and Charlie Jones (WR, 62 yards) in the air bring the tigers closer to the brown end goal, before the tiger number 28 crosses the line. On the next drive Mixon shines again, and does his double on reception this time. The break is over, the Bengals have put their foot down in the first quarter.
At the opening of the second half, Cincinnati increased its advantage. She sets up a small intermediate game, and takes advantage of the penalties whistled against the Browns to progress until Andrei Iosivas (WR, 36 yards, 2 TD) concludes. And as Driskel is intercepted again, the opportunity is too good to add 3 points to take a 4 score lead. The Tigers return to the locker room with peace of mind, Cleveland was blanked in the first half.
Cleveland saves honor
Armed with its advantage, Cincinnati returns to the field by letting it come but does not hesitate to drive the point home. Ground play, Cleveland penalties, a key reception from Trenton Irwin (WR, 34 yards), and here Iosivas is back in the paint. With so much of a gap, the Bengals decide to have fun, and bring in AJ McCarron (QB, 3/4, 20 yards) to finish.
With the match already over, the tigers slow down and rotate the squad. In order not to end up fanny, Driskel finds David Bell (WR, 68 yards, 2 TD) for a double of 31 yards then 24 yards. Honor is safe and the two teams separate to face their own destinies: the Bengals begin their offseason, while the Browns prepare to play their chance in the playoffs during the weeks to come.
Bengals open a 21-0 lead in the Battle of Ohio
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