Bengals and Browns Battle Elements in Rain-Soaked Season Opener
Sunday, Sept. 10 – In a heated division rivalry matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns kicked off their 2023 regular season in a rain-soaked game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Both teams faced not only each other but also the challenging elements, which had a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
The Bengals’ offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, struggled immensely in the wet conditions. Throughout the first two quarters, they managed just 97 total yards, three first downs, and punted on all seven of their possessions. Credit must be given to the Browns’ new defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, and his formidable front seven, which dominated the game thus far.
While the Browns appeared to be the better team in the first half, it was not without challenges. Cleveland fumbled away possession just outside the red zone. However, their star quarterback, Deshaun Watson, rallied the team and led a nine-play, 67-yard drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown run just before halftime. This marked the first touchdown of the game and gave the Browns a significant boost.
The question now remains: will the Browns secure an upset victory to kick off their season, or will Burrow rally the Bengals to his first win at Cleveland Browns Stadium? Fans eagerly followed along in the live blog below, as experts broke down all the action as it unfolded.
For those looking to catch the game, it was televised on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+. Fans also had the option to follow the game through the CBS Sports App. The Bengals entered the game as 2-point favorites with an over/under of 47.5, according to the odds.
Overall, the battle between the Bengals and Browns showcased the resilience of both teams in face of challenging weather conditions. As the game progressed, fans eagerly anticipated the outcome and whether either team could overcome the elements to secure a victory in this divisional matchup.