The Browns dropped their fifth consecutive game this season after they lost to the Bengals 21-14 in Week 7. They now sit at 1-6 on the season and last in the AFC North.
It was their first division opponent this season as they head into a three-game home stretch that also features another division opponent in the Ravens.
"Come here to try and get a win versus a division opponent and fall short and really disappointed that we can't," Stefanski said. "We have to eliminate some bad football that's us holding us back. We have to eliminate those plays that are holding us back. And then when we do that, we'll have a chance."
Here are three big takeaways from Sunday's loss to the Bengals.
Nick Chubb returns and sparks run game
RB Nick Chubb took to the field for the first time in 398 days since his season-ending injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season.
And his season debut did not disappoint. The stadium erupted when Chubb was introduced during team introductions, as well as when he stepped out onto the field for the Browns first offensive drive.
Chubb took the first carry of the game to get the run game started. He continued to help move the Browns down field on his rushing attempts, as well as a block for QB Deshaun Watson as he tried to escape pressure.
Chubb also scored the Browns lone touchdown in the first half. In the final minute of the first half, Chubb took the handoff from QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and ran left for one yard into the end zone for the touchdown.
"I was so happy for him to get a touchdown his first game back," QB Jameis Winston said. "I know how much the fans love him. I heard the 'Chubb, Chubb,' and we need more of that. I'm happy for him to get his feet back and I'm excited to see what he's going to do moving forward."
Chubb did not play a majority of the second half of the game but finished his first game with 22 rushing yards on 11 carries and one touchdown, as well as one reception for 10 yards.
Stefanski said that Chubb did not sustain any setbacks but wanted to be smart with his return. They checked in throughout the game to see how he felt as the game was progressing. Chubb came out of his first game in a good spot.
"I think it was good for him to get tackled," Stefanski said. "Hasn't been tackled yet so, just get him fit his pads and those type of things. I thought it was good."
The Browns rushed for a total of 77 net rushing yards, with Thompson-Robinson leading the way with 44 rushing yards on three carries. Chubb finished second with his 22 rushing yards, with his longest run of the day for five yards.
Check out photos of the Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) and Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offense during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) and Cornerback Tony Brown II (38) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Lorenzo Thompson (69) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The team during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Key special teams' error
The Browns had yet to give up a touchdown on a kickoff return this season. That is, until Week 7 against the Bengals.
On the opening kickoff of the game, K Dustin Hopkins kicked the ball for 65 yards. Bengals WR Charlie Jones caught the ball and returned the kickoff 100 yards for the touchdown. Jones broke through multiple tackles and found a gap as he ran down the sideline and into the end zone in the first 12 seconds of the game.
That touchdown was the Bengals' only points scored in the first half.
"That's been a strength of ours, our kickoff coverage," Stefanski said. "They obviously had a good scheme versus what we're doing. So that that's not how we want to start."
Check out photos of players warming up for a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offense before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) and Tight end David Njoku (85) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Dominant defensive effort early but struggled in third quarter
The Browns defense showcased once again how dominant they could be in the first half against the Bengals. They sacked QB Joe Burrow three times in the first half, with DT Shelby Harris starting things off by bringing down Burrow in the first quarter. Then, on back-to-back plays in the second quarter, the Browns sacked Burrow. DT Maurice Hurst II and DE Isaiah McGuire dropped Burrow for a loss of five yards. Then, on the next play, DE Za'Darius Smith sacked Burrow for a loss of seven yards and forced the Bengals to punt once again.
They forced they Bengals to punt a total of five times in the first half, as well as a turnover on downs on their second offensive drive of the game. The Bengals converted 2 of 13 third down attempts and had 12 total first downs.
"By and large, our defense held them to 12 first downs," Stefanski said. "So very good offense. I felt that we had some really good moments there. They made their plays because obviously some good players, so they are going to make some plays."
The defense did not give up a touchdown until halfway through the third quarter, when Burrow connected with WR Ja'Marr Chase in the end zone for the touchdown. Burrow found Chase on an 18-yard-deep pass with CB Greg Newsome II in coverage.
They gave up their second touchdown of the day later in the third quarter. CB Cameron Mitchell missed a tackle on WR Tee Higgins after he caught a pass from Burrow, and Higgins ran into the end zone for the Bengals' second touchdown of the day. Burrow's touchdown pass was a 25-yard completion.
The Browns bounced back in the fourth quarter, holding the Bengals scoreless. They forced the Bengals to punt on consecutive drives, and then into a field goal situation in which K Evan McPherson missed a 50-yard field goal attempt.
Burrow finished the game completing 15 of 25 passing attempts for 181 yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals only had 59 net rushing yards and 164 net passing yards.
"They just did enough," DE Myles Garrett said. "Two touchdowns and defensively, you're hoping to keep them under 17 points. That's a pretty solid day at their office. And we had a couple of big plays, but for the most part, we felt like we kept them contained. We needed to get some more takeaways that would have swung the momentum of the game, but we had a lapse in which they scored, and we were pretty consistent throughout."
