Baltimore Beatdown
The Browns lost their third straight game last Sunday and 11th overall on the season, in a dismal 31-3 beatdown at the hands of the Chicago Bears. It was their worst defeat of the year in terms of point differential and a big step back offensively after a promising 29-point performance against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, albeit in another losing effort.
It was particularly a step back for rookie signal-caller Shedeur Sanders, who completed just a shade over 50% of his throws with three interceptions and a quarterback rating of 30.3. Only one of the Browns’ 12 offensive drives resulted in points, they rushed for just 50 total yards and converted nine first downs.
With the season completely lost, the last few games are all about youth development to build some momentum heading into next year. This week’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills is a big test. Cleveland’s defense, who have now allowed 31 points in back-to-back weeks, will have their hands full against a red-hot Josh Allen and James Cook-led Bills’ offense.
Where the Browns could find some success is on the ground, as the Bills’ run defense has been vulnerable this season. Cleveland’s rushing attack has struggled mightily over the last two weeks, though. Getting Quinshon Judkins going behind the offensive line will be key for the Browns to make a competitive game out of this as double-digit underdogs on the road.
The Bengals suffered a putrid defeat at home last Sunday, being shut out by the Baltimore Ravens 24-0. In doing so, the Bengals were officially eliminated from postseason contention — although their slim chances were a longshot anyways. Still, to go down in flames offensively like they did was disappointing, to say the least.
Cincinnati’s offense, which had scored 30+ points in consecutive games since Joe Burrow returned, was lifeless for most of the game. Two interceptions by Burrow, two failed fourth down conversion attempts, and three punts encapsulated all of the Bengals’ full offensive drives of the day.
The Bengals may have no playoff hopes to play for anymore, but Burrow and company will surely look to bounce back from a zero-point performance this coming Sunday. They should have a decent chance to do so against the Miami Dolphins, even on the road. The Dolphins are also now eliminated from the playoffs and benched quarterback Tua Tagovoila, meaning the Bengals will face former seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers.
That’s a favorable recipe for the Bengals’ defense, who did allow only 17 points last week. Miami’s rushing attack is still dangerous, and they’ll surely want to ground-and-pound all game, to aid their young quarterback and keep the ball away from Burrow. The potential return of Tee Higgins at wide receiver could give the team a little jolt on offense.
Speaking of the Dolphins, they were eliminated at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. The Steelers earned their second straight victory by...
