Baker Bests Burrow 35-30 in "Believeland"

 Cleveland, OH

Prior to tonight’s game, layman fans would look at the matchup of the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on paper and think it was going to be a stinker of a game. For fans that actually tuned in from home, as well as the few fans that were allowed into First Energy Stadium, the Battle for Ohio lived up to the billing, as the Cleveland Browns won 35-30, holding off a fiery comeback from rookie QB sensation Joe Burrow. 

The Dynamic Duo of Chubb & Hunt 

            “We have two running backs that are both number one backs in the league,” said Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr to FOX’s Erin Andrews about running backs Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb. Both Chubb (22-124-2) and Hunt (10-86-1) looked like either one of them could be the bell cow back for Cleveland, but head coach Kevin Stefanski did a fantastic job, not only divvying up the carries between his two-star backs, but also used the run as a way to give his quarterback, third-year signal-caller Baker Mayfield, a chance to shine under the primetime lights. 

            On paper, the stats don’t really jump out; 16 of 23 passing attempts (69% completion) for 219 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick. But watching the game, you could tell Baker finally found his swagger. The QB that once proclaimed he “woke up feeling dangerous” finally formulated his chemistry with his elite receiving corps, particularly with his supposed No. 1 wideout in Odell Beckham, Jr. (4-74-1). Mayfield has been the target of some major media scrutiny after the Browns week one 6-38 blowout against the Baltimore Ravens. When asked by NFL Network’s Michael Irvin on what he has to say to the haters and the doubters, Mayfield kept a calm composure, saying “I don’t need the chirp back. But there’s one thing in the Mayfield household: we don’t forget.” 

            As for the Brown’s defense, credit goes to Cleveland’s front seven, who kept Bengals halfback Joe Mixon in check, with only 46 yards 16 carries. They were also able to knock down Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow three times, with defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson being the standout performer; four solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Cornerback Denzel Ward was the patrolman of the secondary, limiting former Pro Bowl wideout A.J Green to just 3 catches for 29 yards. Ward also made sure no Bengals receiver went for over 100 yards receiving; registering three total tackles and three pass deflections.  

Joe Burrow saves Cincy. But can someone save Joe Burrow from Cincy? 

            Joe Burrow proved to indeed be the saving grace the city of Cincinnati has been begging for since the decline in play of former-supposed franchise savior Andy “the Red Rifle” Dalton. Under the bright lights of Thursday night, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner threw a whopping 61 passing attempts, completing 37 of them (60% completion) for 317 yards and three touchdowns. Burrow also added 19 yards on the ground and converted on all five of the Bengals fourth-down conversion attempts.  

            As for the rest of the Bengals offense, it was underwhelming, to say the least. Burrow was harassed all night by Cleveland’s front seven, getting sacked three times and knocked down seven times. The running game couldn’t get going with either Mixon or Giovanni Bernard, with only 68 total team rushing yards on the night. Veteran wideout A.J. Green was targeted 13 times by Burrow. He only caught 3 balls. 

“I will never adjust or accept losing,” said Burrow at his post-game presser. “This 0-2 start is really hurting me, I know it’s hurting coach and everyone in [the locker room]. We have to get it right.” 

As for the Bengals defense, it was basically non-existent, outside of William Jackson III’s interception in the fourth quarter. No one looked like they wanted to take on either Kareem Hunt or Nick Chubb in a one-on-one situation. Abysmal. 

What comes next 

            Cleveland stays at home in week three, set to host Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team. They’ll have plenty of time to figure out how to keep Washington’s stellar front seven from moving and abusing Mayfield. A front seven that just sacked Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz eight times in Washington’s 27-17 week one win. 

            As for Cincinnati, they travel down to the Linc to face the previously mentioned Philadelphia Eagles, who’ll be coming off a tough matchup against Aaron Donald’s L.A. Rams. 

Writer

-By: Juan Guarin-Camargo