Kevin Stefanski gives the game ball to DC Jim Schwartz after Browns dominate win over Bengals
No one saw the Cleveland Browns coming out and thumping the Cincinnati Bengals like they did today. Cleveland won the game 24-3 but it was not the offense that was the main culprit of this outcome. The defense showed off just how good they were right off the bat to start the season. With that […]
No one saw the Cleveland Browns coming out and thumping the Cincinnati Bengals like they did today.
Cleveland won the game 24-3 but it was not the offense that was the main culprit of this outcome. The defense showed off just how good they were right off the bat to start the season.
With that being said, head coach Kevin Stefanski had an easy choice on who deserved the game ball. First-year defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s defense played as good as you could ask for in Week 1.
“The story of the day is our defense,” Stefanski said after the game. “I just gave coach Schwartz the game ball because that defense was outstanding. Very proud of Jim and his defensive staff and the players."
Cleveland allowed just 142 total yards to Cincinnati on the day. The Bengals walked away with 67 passing yards and 75 yards on the ground. The Browns more than doubled them up with 350 yards on offense themselves.
On third down, the Bengals converted just 2-of-15, a testament to the defensive line that was after Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow all game. Burrow was only sacked twice but he was hit many more times and pressured heavily throughout.
Holding Burrow to just 14-of-31 passing and his top target Ja’Marr Chase to 39 receiving yards is a recipe for success. The secondary of Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, and Martin Emerson Jr. was more than exceptional. Tee Higgins did not have a catch for the Bengals.
“All in all, good start. But, it's just a good start. Got another next week,” Stefanski spoke.
Cleveland is 1-0 for just the third time since 1998, so they’ll cherish that for a night and turn their focus toward the Pittsburgh Steelers. A great showing for Schwartz’s defense has hopes high to start the season.
Quick Hits: Browns blow doors off of Bengals in Week 1
Cleveland Browns showed up in a big way in Week 1.
Featured image via Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports.
