The tide has turned.
Forget the poor record the Cleveland Browns (1-6) had going into Week 7. Forget the fact that their QB was playing the worst ball in the league.
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) just wanted a win, not necessarily a lopsided one. And they knew even that wouldn’t be easy.
So what did we learn from the Bengals’ 21-14 victory over the Browns?
Joe Burrow has slayed his Cleveland demons
The main problem that Burrow faced in matchups with the Browns was related to Myles Garrett and the pass rush. Now that the QB has Amarius Mims excelling against Garrett, the intrastate games should go a lot more how we all expected them to.
Did Amarius Mims just blank Myles Garrett?
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) October 21, 2024
Amarius Mims driving Myles Garrett inside and sticking with him until he’s completely out of the play. pic.twitter.com/vl4oSlLC1n
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) October 21, 2024
Tee Higgins is essential for winning physical games
The receiver was recently praised by his QB for his physical play, and he proved it again with 82 hard-earned yards against a Cleveland secondary that has given Ja’Marr Chase and company problems in the past.
Tee Higgins.
— #ClemsonNFL (@ClemsonPros) October 20, 2024
Geno Stone is coming around
The safety had seven interceptions for the Baltimore Ravens, but struggled after signing with Cincinnati. Against the Browns, he got his first pick of the year and looked more comfortable in Lou Anarumo’s system overall.
Up 21-6 Geno Stone really closed them out. pic.twitter.com/Es12yk3wff
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) October 21, 2024
Unfortunately, he suffered a shin injury, but it’s hoped he won’t miss much (if any) time.
The defensive line is waking up
The Bengals defense held Nick Chubb and the Browns to just 77 rushing yards on 21 attempts. They also sacked Cleveland quarterbacks four times and hit them 11 times. Sam Hubbard, who came alive in the New York Giants game, even had an interception.
First career INT for @Sam_Hubbard_ ‼️
: #CINvsCLE on CBSpic.twitter.com/UfvmRLeoyd
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 20, 2024
This is partly due to the addition of Sheldon Rankins and partly due to time and apparently Hubbard getting healthier.
There’s still a lot of hope
Yes, the Bengals are still just 3-4 and they only beat one of the worst teams in the league. But this team is different.
We all saw how well they played the Kansas City Chiefs and the Ravens. The problems have always been slow starts and weird losses, often against the Browns.
With an easy schedule ahead and now only one game out of a playoff spot, there’s a realistic chance the Bengals could end up in the postseason once again.
