Date: November 1, 2022
Writer: Anthony Iles
The Bengals traveled to Cleveland to face the Browns on Monday Night Football on Halloween. The Reaper of the Night was in the stadium as the Bengals started off with the ball and moved well down the field. The were in scoring position when the night became a long night as Burrow through a nice pass that was headed to Higgins but as the ball was thrown Myles Garrett was able to tip the pass. Higgins tried to adjust and get to the ball but it deflected an opposite way and got intercepted. Later on in the first half we were in scoring position again and Browns defense were able to come up behind Burrow as he was about to throw a deep pass and the defender dove and knocked the ball out of Burrows hands. Browns took the next possession and scored the games first touchdown then went for 2 and got up 8 – 0. Bengals get the ball back and move down the field and tried a FG that just missed. So instead of being down 8-3 at the half (or potentially being up 17 – 8 if we would have not turned ball over) Browns got the ball with 40 seconds left and good field position and made a FG as time expired to be up 11-0 at halftime.
The second half began and the Browns started out with the ball and got a TD and extra point to go up 18 – 0. Then Browns got ball again and scored a TD and extra point to go up 25 – 0. At the end of the 3rd quarter the Bengals came out of the grave and looked like they did on the first drive and the last few games. Moving the ball down the field well. As the 3rd quarter ended and 4th quarter began Burrow threw a ball to Boyd on the right side of the end zone. A linebacker was able to get a fingertip on the ball but it didn’t stop the focus of Boyd who caught it for the TD. However on the extra point try it missed just right so Bengals were down 25 – 6 but still with some life. Bengals went down the field again and Burrow made a great throw to Higgins who made a nice catch and scored on a 55 yard play and we made the extra point. That cut the lead to 25 -13.
Bengals needed a stop to have a chance with 8 minutes left in the game but the Browns were able to make some timely catches and pound the ball and scored a TD and extra point in the 4th to seal the game. The Browns get the W and it stopped a 4 game losing streak (they had close games in that 4 game stretch). The Bengals had come off huge offense performances but in this game the Browns matched up well and took advantage of turnovers and running the ball enough to control the clock then made some timely catches.
The Bengals will regroup and refocus as next game is at home vs Panthers. When the Bengals get that W they will be 5-4 going into the BYE week with having won 5 of last 7 games. This will be identical record from last year when the Bengals went into the BYE week at 5-4 and after losing 42-16 to the Browns last year right before the BYE week. Bengals play Panthers, BYE, Steelers. They get those wins it will put them at 6-4. Then is the heart of the second half where they will face Titans away, Chiefs at home, Browns at home, Tampa away, Patriots away, Bills at home, and end regular season at home vs Ravens. The season could all come down to AFC North winner to be determined in the Bengals vs Ravens game if both teams stay healthy. Both teams by then could have playoff berths guaranteed if they continue to win. The way this season is going for all teams it will come down to the last game to decide AFC North Champion with automatic playoff birth and the other team will be a Wild Card team. I still feel the Bengals will be able to get the split in AFC North games by beating the Browns, Steelers, and Ravens which would out them with 8 wins. Then the question will be between the Titans, Chiefs, Tampa, Patriots, and Bills can you get at least 3 wins of the 5 to put your team at an 11 win season. If all goes well you get 4 of the 5 wins and be 12-5 overall.
This will be a fun second half of the season and Chase will be back soon. Looks like for the Titans game. For 2 more games and 3 more weeks of rest for Chase the offense needs to attack early and take care of the ball. They can get the se next 2 wins as it will keep them at the top of the AFC North.
Ravens will be tested in the upcoming weeks as they play Saints with QB Andy Dalton (he owns the Ravens), Panthers, Jaguars, Broncos, Steelers, Browns, Falcons, Steelers, and Bengals. I think they will lose 5 of 9 games in the back half of this season. I think legit teams that can beat them because of the defenses and the style offenses Ravens will face are the Saints, Broncos, Browns, Falcons, and Bengals. Will Jackson be healthy enough to finish this season. The past few seasons he gets hurt around this time because of all the running he does. Time will tell. If they lose 5 of 9 that is every other game they will win which is the trend they are doing right now at the beginning of this season. They could end up being 9 – 8 to end the regular season. That is best case scenario for Bengals. Realistically they will probably end up 10 – 7.
Browns have a tough road now as the face the Dolphins, Bills, Tampa, Texans, Bengals, Ravens, Saints, Washington, and Steelers. I think they will lose to the Dolphins, Bills, Tampa, Bengals, Ravens, and Saints. They could beat Washington and Steelers at the end. Other question for them is Watson will be cleared to be the starter beginning the December 4th against the Texans. He will be rusty and has not played in 2 years. Teams will be going after him hard. In those last 6 games if he is the full time starter they could go 3-3 but I do not think he helps them and will lose to Bengals, Ravens, and Saints. I could see them bearing the Texans, Washington, and Steelers. Texans game will be interesting if he starts that game. I would not be surprised if Texans come out with an extra effort for this game and beat the Browns.
There is a lot of football left and as teams are getting into a groove it will be fun to see how this all unfolds.
WHO DEY!!!!
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