CLEVELAND — Joe Burrow seems to have achieved a great deal in his football career, including winning a prestigious Heisman Trophy, overcoming Patrick Mahomes in critical matches, earning a trip to the Super Bowl, and signing a lucrative contract. Yet, one significant milestone has thus far eluded the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback: victory against the Cleveland Browns on the road.
Burrow’s record against the Browns stands at 0-3 away from home, and the Bengals have not triumphed in Cleveland since 2017, a time when he was still a sophomore at the University of Ohio State. Ahead of this week’s game against the struggling Browns (1-5), Burrow expressed that these losses haunt both him and his teammates. “Absolutely,” Burrow acknowledged, emphasizing the frustration of the team’s failure against a divisional rival. “We haven’t found success against this opponent, which is always frustrating, and it’s something we need to change. We need to get this win.”
Burrow isn’t the only one who has struggled; Bengals head coach Zac Taylor holds an 0-5 record in Cleveland, and there are no current players on the roster who have experienced victory at what is now known as Huntington Bank Field. “It’s unacceptable,” said defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “I made sure everyone was aware of it in the defensive meetings this morning. We have yet to celebrate a victory on the bus after a game there, and the players know the challenges that lie ahead. We need to elevate our performance.”
The Bengals (2-4) are looking to bounce back from another sluggish start, a pattern that has characterized their last three seasons. In the current 2023 season, Cincinnati began with a 1-3 record, which echoed their previous year when they finished a disappointing 9-8, missing out on the playoffs. The year prior, despite starting at 2-3, the team managed to recover and reach the AFC title game for the second consecutive year.
Burrow has been performing well; he boasts a career-high completion rate of 71.6%, with 12 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. His quarterback rating of 110.3 currently leads the entire league. However, issues persist for the Bengals, particularly related to their offensive line, which has contributed to two games being lost on the last play, while the team continues to seek better cohesion on both offense and defense. “Ideally, we’d be undefeated,” Burrow stated. “But that hasn’t been the case, and that’s how this season has unfolded. There’s a sense of urgency within the organization to secure wins. I believe the team is handling it effectively.”
On the other hand, the Browns are facing their own set of challenges, chief among them an offense struggling to score over 20 points or accumulate 300 yards in a game. The inconsistent performance from quarterback Deshaun Watson is a significant concern, yet the team’s shortcomings do not rest solely with him; they are more pervasive.
So far, head coach Kevin Stefanski has opted not to play backup quarterback Jameis Winston, asserting that Watson offers the best chance for victory. However, that rationale might become increasingly difficult to support as losses mount. Watson hasn’t hit the 200-yard mark in a game and finds himself facing a league-high number of 31 sacks. Currently, the Browns rank low in scoring with only 15.8 points per game, and they also sit at the bottom for yards gained (240.2), first downs (15), and third-down conversions (19.2%).
Penalties have plagued the Browns throughout the season. During a recent drive for a potential game-tying touchdown against Philadelphia, consecutive false starts forced them to settle for a field goal. Watson remains optimistic about a turnaround. “Every week, we find reason for encouragement,” he said. “There are flashes of potential. Ultimately, we need to eliminate the self-inflicted wounds we keep discussing every week. We must continue to work on not undermining ourselves.”
In a notable development, Cleveland decided to trade their top wide receiver Amari Cooper to Buffalo this week. Cooper’s production had dropped below expectations, and his discontent grew when the team did not grant him a contract extension last summer. While it may not signal an impending fire sale, if the Browns continue to falter, general manager Andrew Berry may consider additional trades in the near future. “That’s just part of the business,” Watson noted. “It’s a reality I’ve witnessed during my eight years in the league. Ultimately, it’s about what the front office believes is in the best interest of the team.”
In brighter news, star running back Nick Chubb is set to make his season debut this Sunday after recovering from a severe knee injury sustained in Week 2 of the last season. This marks the second time Chubb has rehabilitated from knee reconstruction after injuring the same knee back in 2015 while at Georgia. Chubb’s return has invigorated his teammates, who admire his drive and resilience throughout the rehabilitation process. “I have immense respect for him both as an individual and a player,” left guard Joel Bitonio expressed. “He plays with everything for his teammates, and it’s incredibly exciting to have him back on the field. Blocking for Nick Chubb is always a thrill.”