Browns defense shredded by Bengals in 31-17 loss
BY JEREMY SOMERVILLE
BROWNS BEAT WRITER
(CINCINNATI, OH) - Another week, another loss, another quarterback behind center for the Cleveland Browns who dropped to 0-7 on the season with an abysmal 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.
Cleveland lost rookie quarterback Cody Kessler (concussion) with more than seven minutes remaining in the first half and it only got worse from there for the Browns. With the game still in reach at 14-10 Cincinnati with 1:03 left in the half, the Browns punted the ball back to the Bengals after their drive stalled. A few plays later, Cincinnati wide out A.J Green skied over four Browns defenders for a highlight reel one-handed touchdown catch that stretched the Bengals lead to 21-10 before the half.
Without cornerback Joe Haden, Green torched the Browns for 169 yards on eight catches on the day. But he wasn’t the only Bengal that tore through the Browns overmatched defense. Running back Jeremy Hill who struggled over his last three games ran for 168 yards on just nine carries and had a huge 74-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach and killed any momentum the Browns had early in the third quarter at 28-17. The play came directly after a 28-yard touchdown run by Cleveland quarterback Kevin Hogan, who replaced Kessler and went 12 of 24 for 100 yards and two interceptions, but fared well with his legs as he ran seven times for 104 yards and a score.
The Browns will look to turn things around next Sunday when they host the New York Jets (2-5).
Dawg Biscuits:
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Following the game Browns head coach Hue Jackson said “there’s a chance” QB Josh McCown could play next Sunday and that Kessler will be looked at all week now that he is part of the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Following the game Browns head coach Hue Jackson said “there’s a chance” QB Josh McCown could play next Sunday and that Kessler will be looked at all week now that he is part of the NFL’s concussion protocol.•Before leaving Kessler was 9/11 for 82 yards and continued to look solid behind a patchwork offensive line
Before leaving Kessler was 9/11 for 82 yards and continued to look solid behind a patchwork offensive line•Center Cam Erving left the game with an illness
Center Cam Erving left the game with an illness•Terrelle Pryor played despite missing practice all week with a hamstring issue and was held to just two catches for 18 yards
Terrelle Pryor played despite missing practice all week with a hamstring issue and was held to just two catches for 18 yards•The Browns defense gave up 559 yards including 271 rushing.
The Browns defense gave up 559 yards including 271 rushing. •Hogan’s 104 yards rushing were just five short of breaking the team record for rushing yards by a QB.
Hogan’s 104 yards rushing were just five short of breaking the team record for rushing yards by a QB.POSTED 10/23/2016 at 17:26
Lake County Sentinel
