Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler tells it like it is following the disappointing loss to AFC North foe Cincinnati Bengals
The Cleveland Browns are waking up on Monday morning with an 0-1 record but likely feeling as if they should have won their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland fell 17-16 but dominated in the stat book and did more than enough to put themselves in position to win. Two turnovers and two missed […]
The Cleveland Browns are waking up on Monday morning with an 0-1 record but likely feeling as if they should have won their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland fell 17-16 but dominated in the stat book and did more than enough to put themselves in position to win. Two turnovers and two missed kicks ultimately made the difference, and now the Browns face an even tougher stretch ahead.
Joel Bitonio gets real about the opening loss to the Bengals
“It’s a tough way to start the year. You know, as an offense, I think we tell ourselves, like, score a touchdown in the red zone there. You know we don’t have to take the field goal, and you got a chance to win the game, but those mistakes happen,” Browns left guard Joel Bitonio said after the game. “It’s hard to win when you give the ball away twice and don’t take it away. I think our defense played really, really well against a good offense. I thought we did some good things on offense. Got to run the ball a little bit better. But it’s frustrating.”
Both of Joe Flacco’s interceptions came on passes intended for Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman — both of which hit the receivers in the hands before bouncing into the air and being intercepted. Fluke plays like those were tough to swallow in the opener.
Bitonio, now in his 12th season with the team, has seen plenty of ups and downs. In that span, the Browns have just one playoff win, and he’s admitted to contemplating retirement in recent offseasons. Losses like Sunday’s aren’t easy for anyone, let alone a veteran like Bitonio.
With a daunting upcoming stretch against the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings, dropping the opener to Cincinnati was one Cleveland couldn’t afford. Both sides of the ball had their moments, but the defense largely dominated after a shaky start. Flacco played well enough to win, and the wideouts could have helped him more in key moments.
Now, the Browns will look to surprise people and bounce back next week against the Ravens.
Cleveland Browns News
Joe Flacco’s unfortunate admission around the Browns after losing to the Bengals is likely what will hold them back in 2025
The Cleveland Browns held the Cincinnati Bengals to just 141 total yards and still lost their season opener at home on Sunday afternoon. Despite outgaining Cincinnati with 327 yards, Cleveland fell 17-16. Joe Flacco made his return as the Browns’ quarterback, finishing 31-of-45 for 290 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The turnovers, along […]
