"We go to Cleveland next week & I'm feeling pretty good about that, a little better now" Marvin Lewis on @SiriusXMNFL on T. Richardson trade
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) September 19, 2013
How do you feel now, Marvin Lewis?
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals at home by a final score of 17-6. It was a decisive win over a division foe, as the Browns improved to 2-2 on the season, including a 2-0 record since dealing Trent Richardson away.
On a day where Brian Hoyer needed a solid day to strengthen his case to keep the starting quarterback job over Brandon Weeden, he delivered. There were some spurts in the second and third quarter where the offense sputtered, but for the second week in a row, Hoyer led either a game-winning or game-sealing touchdown drive.
This week, Hoyer led a 12-play, 91-yard touchdown drive that ate up 6:32 of clock and put the Browns up by two possessions. The drive was capped off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to fullback Chris Ogbonnaya. Finally, the defense had a chance to feast with a two-possession lead, and they left no doubt. Speaking of the defense, they held Cincinnati to without a touchdown and just 63 yards rushing.
It was also another big day for tight end Jordan Cameron, who had 10 catches for 91 yards and 1 touchdown. Cornerback Joe Haden was up to the challenge of defending wide receiver A.J. Green too. Green was targeted 15 times, but finished with 7 catches for 51 yards. The Browns finally held Green to without a big play.
Now, the Browns have a quick week before facing the Buffalo Bills this Thursday. All three of the Browns' rivals in the AFC North lost today, so Cleveland is officially tied for first place with Baltimore and Cincinnati (the Steelers are the new basement dwellers at 0-4). There is no tank job.
Also, there's this to remember:
On Seattle radio, Mike Holmgren said doesn't understand Richardson trade. If he didn't like it as coach, he would've quit.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 20, 2013