The embattled quarterback will start for Cleveland on Sunday in its home matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. But this game won’t be won easily with the current roster Cleveland has.
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It’s no surprise that the Bengals’ two best games of the season have come against the Browns, who haven’t been able to do anything right.
When Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III got the ball back with 5:05 left in the half after Dalton zipped a third-down pass for a five-yard touchdown to Eifert beating cornerback Tramon Williams Sr. over the middle, he had a passer rating of 0 and that’s how the first half ended. Jonathan Stewart ran for 66 yards and a touchdown and Graham Gano had four field goals. After the Browns punted, Jeremy Hill’s 1-yard plunge capped Cincinnati’s second possession to make it 13-0 – Nugent’s extra point was blocked – and it became very clear the Bengals had not overlooked the Browns, who were coming off their bye week. “I think everyone in this locker room is sincerely focused on this game and giving ourselves an opportunity to get that elusive win that we’ve been chasing”. Meanwhile, for the Browns, quarterback Robert Griffin III returns to the lineup while the Browns will not dress quarterbacks Josh McCown or Kevin Hogan. Eifert’s second touchdown, a 5-yarder in which he ran free over the middle, made it 20-0 at halftime.
In Orchard, Park, New York, Le’Veon Bell scored three times and set a franchise record with 236 yards rushing, finding traction on a slick, snow-covered field.
He had no passing touchdowns (one was dropped), no memorable throws and one interception.
Dalton was 20 of 28 for 180 yards and two touchdowns and a passer rating of 112.2.
The Bengals now have their first winning streak of the season, courtesy of the Eagles and Browns. In all, the Browns had more penalties (five) than first downs (three) while being outgained 216-72 in falling behind 20-0 at the break.
Doug Martin scored on a 1-yard run, Roberto Aguayo kicked three field goals and an improving defense intercepted Brees three times while holding the National Football League passing leader without a touchdown pass.
LB Cam Johnson had the Browns first sack on QB Andy Dalton in the first quarter. He called Pryor’s name into the garbage can, pretending the Browns receiver was inside. WR Corey Coleman had 11 targets but caught just three passes for 26 yards.
Yes, Tyler Eifert was the man with two red zone touchdowns, but the rookie wide receiver’s key contributions on all three of the first half scoring drives were huge. LB Jamie Collins in first half.
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Griffin was injured week 1 against Philadelphia and has missed the last 11 games, all Browns losses. Crowell finished with 10 carries for 113 yards. A flea flicker later from the 2-yard line was underthrown for receiver Terrelle Pryor (one catch, 3 yards) into triple coverage and intercepted.
