The Cincinnati Bengals ended their season with a 20-18 loss to the Browns. The Bengals took the lead with 1:29 remaining in the fourth quarter as Joe Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase on a touchdown. They then failed to convert on a 2-point conversion on a pass intended for Mike Gesicki. The defense failed to contain the Cleveland Browns offense in the ensuing drive as they gave up a 49-yard field goal.
Despite back-to-back wins, the Bengals ended the season on a low note as they had their fewest wins since the 2020 season. Head coach Zac Taylor now has a 52-63 record since taking over the team. During the game, USA Today writer Cory Kinnan said of Taylor, “(He) does not deserve as much good grace as he gets from that ownership, man.”
Taylor’s future does not appear to be in any danger as everything seems to indicate he’ll return to Cincinnati for the upcoming season.
Bengals Are a Part of History
Aside from the ugly loss, the Bengals were also a part of some NFL history being made. Pass-rusher Myles Garrett notched his 23rd sack of the season as he sacked Joe Burrow with 5:16 left in the fourth quarter. His 23 sacks surpassed the previous NFL record of 22.5 held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
Additionally, Joe Burrow became the quarterback who’s been sacked the most times by Myles Garrett. He was previously tied with Lamar Jackson with eleven. Prior to the game, Garrett made headlines as he was asked if he was aware of Burrow being atop his sack leaderboard, to which he said, “I’ve seen his face on the ground, looking up at me,‘saying, ‘Hi Myles,’ and I, ‘Hi Joe,’ too many times, so yeah, I’d figured he’d be at the top.”
Despite getting the sack in the final week of the season, Garrett’s confidence did not waver that he would set the record. He said, “I’m fully confident that it will come.” Unfortunately for the Bengals, that proved to be true and they will be a part of NFL history until someone surpasses the record. The game nearly seemed to be a win-win as the Browns got the record, while the Bengals got the win. A field-goal drive with just over a minute left resulted in Cleveland upsetting the Bengals in the final game of the season.
Bengals vs Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the game being 4-1 when Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase were all active. Against the Browns, all three were available, but they were unable to defeat Cleveland.
The game flipped due to Cleveland’s defense. The Bengals held an early 6-0 lead, but an interception returned for a touchdown and a fumble returned for a touchdown gave Cleveland a 14-6 lead in the second half. Despite a late rally by the Bengals offense, it was not enough to overcome the Browns. It marked the second time the Cincinnati offense struggled against Cleveland, as they were also unable to surpass 20 points in their Week 1 matchup.
Bengals Make History in Loss Against Browns