Dawgs By Nature - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns - Game DayA Cleveland Browns bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48679/dawgsbynature-fave.png2012-10-14T17:36:46-04:00http://www.dawgsbynature.com/rss/stream/32655272012-10-14T17:36:46-04:002012-10-14T17:36:46-04:00Instant Recap: Browns Win 34-24 Over Bengals
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<figcaption>Jason Miller - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>On <b><span>Brandon Weeden's</span></b> 29th birthday, he got the best present he could have asked for: his first win as a starting quarterback in the NFL. On a day that saw some of the hottest temperatures in weeks, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> emerged victorious by a final score of 34-24 over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. There was a bit of an uneasy feeling to start the game, but Cleveland had a 14-point spurt mid-way through the final quarter of play to seal the deal.</p>
<p>With CB <b><span>Joe Haden</span></b> making his return from a four-game suspension, Cleveland's defense forced an immediate three-and-out. The Browns' offense began driving down the field, including a connection between Weeden and WR <b>Josh Cooper</b>. Then, on a first-down play in field goal range, a Bengals defender tipped Weeden's pass at the line of scrimmage. The deflection bounced up into the air and was intercepted by defensive end <b>Michael Johnson</b>.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1554899/weedenno.gif"></p>
<p>Three plays later, facing a 3rd-and-2, <b><span>Andy Dalton</span></b> dropped back and hit tight end <b><span>Jermaine Gresham</span></b> on a quick slant. Thanks to a missed tackle by LB <b><span>Craig Robertson</span></b> and a horrible play by S <b><span>Usama Young</span></b>, Gresham was able to rumble 55 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 7-0 lead.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1554939/greshamtd.gif"></p>
<p>Things got better for the Browns at the start of the second quarter. Facing a 3rd-and-8, Weeden got very good protection from his offensive line. For the second time in two weeks, Weeden found WR <b><span>Josh Gordon</span></b> for a long touchdown. Gordon's one-hand stab and ensuing run went for 71 yards, tying the game at 7-7.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1555051/cle.gif"></p>
<p>After each team traded a couple of punts with each other, the Bengals struck again. A <b><span>Reggie Hodges</span></b> punt was returned 32 yards by WR <b><span>Brandon Tate</span></b>, setting the Bengals up in Browns territory. On the next play, RB <b><span>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</span></b> rumbled ahead for 20 yards and a first down. Two plays later, Dalton found WR <b><span>A.J. Green</span></b> open in the left corner of the end zone after S <b>Usama Young</b> had lost him. That made it a 14-7 game heading into the half.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1555285/ajgreentd2.gif"></p>
<p>Cleveland got the ball to start the second half, but went three-and-out. A couple of series later, WR <b><span>Joshua Cribbs</span></b> fielded a punt and did a great job dodging tacklers. He didn't get a touchdown, but the 60-yard return, his second awesome return in as many weeks, put Cleveland in field goal range. <b><span>Phil Dawson</span></b> was marched in to kick a 41-yard field goal, making it a 14-10 Bengals lead.</p>
<p>On the next series, Cleveland's defense came up huge on third down. Facing pressure at the snap, Dalton rolled to his right and tried to hit WR <b>Andrew Hawkins</b>. The pass was deflected and landed right into the arms of CB <b>Joe Haden</b>.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1555581/andydalton.gif"></p>
<p>The Browns' offense couldn't capitalize again, instead settling for three points again to make it a 14-13 lead. On the Browns' next series, Browns fans definitely noticed the fact that RB <b><span>Trent Richardson</span></b> was on the sideline and backup <b><span>Montario Hardesty</span></b> was starting to get the bulk of the work. Richardson had a side injury, but Hardesty delivered in his first serious action of the season. A solid drive was capped off by a one-yard spiraling leap into the end zone for Hardesty on the first play of the fourth quarter.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1555657/hardesty.gif"></p>
<p>It was the first career touchdown for Hardesty, and it gave the Browns their first lead of the game at 20-14. Now, it was time for the Bengals to try to rally. They marched down the field, but had to settle for a 44-yard field goal to make it a 20-17 game.</p>
<p>Cribbs sparked the Browns again with a 44-yard kick return. After Weeden made a big third-down throw to TE <b><span>Jordan Cameron</span></b> to put the ball three yards away from the end zone, the rookie quarterback ran a playaction fake and found TE <b><span>Benjamin Watson</span></b> wide open in the left corner of the end zone, giving the Browns a 27-17 advantage.</p>
<p>If that wasn't enough to convince Browns fans that they were going to come away with a win, then this was:</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1556009/clevelandrocks.gif"></p>
<p>On the Bengals' first play after Watson's touchdown reception, CB <b><span>Sheldon Brown</span></b> jumped a pass by Dalton and took it 19 yards for a pick six. The Browns had a decisive 34-17 lead with just under eight minutes to play in the game.</p>
<p>Since this is <i>Cleveland</i>, Browns fans still sweated out the rest of the game a bit. With over five minutes to go in the game, Dalton heaved a pass down the left sideline for Green. Green had a few steps on Haden and scored a 57-yard touchdown, making it a 34-24 game.</p>
<p>After the Browns went three-and-out, the Bengals got the ball back and began marching down the field again. Dalton led the Bengals all the way down to the nine yard line with over two minutes to play. Thankfully, DE <b><span>Emmanuel Stephens</span></b> forced a fumble on Dalton, and DT <b><span>Billy Winn</span></b> came up with the recovery. Winn rumbled 35 yards down the field before being brought down.</p>
<p>The Browns punted again, but by that time, the Bengals were down two possessions and had no timeouts with barely any time remaining in the game. Dalton's final attempt at the end zone was intercepted by Young for a touchback. After a kneel down by Weeden and the clock read 0:00, it was official: the Browns had their first win of the season, and head coach <b>Pat Shurmur</b> won an AFC North game for the first time in his two seasons with the Browns.</p>
<p>Green's final stat line might have been impressive, and he did beat Haden once the Browns were up by three possessions. He had a major impact on the game, though, and I believe his presence rubbed off on guys like <b>CB Sheldon Brown</b> and CB <b><span>Buster Skrine</span></b>.</p>
<p>The Browns are 1-5, and ended their 11-game losing streak dating back to last season. Winning feels good. Can we have a happy post-game thread for once?</p>
<p>Except for Marecic. Complain all you want about him.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3503086/instant-recap-browns-win-34-24-over-bengalsChris Pokorny2012-10-14T17:17:56-04:002012-10-14T17:17:56-04:00Trent Richardson hurts ribs in victory
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<figcaption>Jason Miller - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Rookie running back Trent Richardson suffered a rib injury on Sunday.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a>, the rib injury <span>Trent Richardson</span> sustained against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> will require more evaluation.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/257583644850401280">Reported by Jason LaCanfora</a>, the Browns will hope it's little more than a bruise as they look to build some momentum following their first win of the season. Richardson accounts for over 75 percent of Cleveland's team rushing yards, and if they lost him for any period of time it would be a huge blow to their offense.</p>
<p>In a backup role, <span>Montario Hardesty</span> was serviceable, finishing with 56 yards and a touchdown, but he is not a long term option. The Browns are trying to take as much pressure off their rookie QB as possible, by supporting <span>Brandon Weeden</span> with a strong North-South running game to branch their offense from. It's important to note that Richardson is also one of Cleveland's leading receivers, so his absence will be felt in numerous ways, provided he's unable to play.</p>
<p><i>This story originally appeared <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/10/14/3503186/trent-richardson-injury-browns">on SBNation.com</a>.</i></p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3503312/trent-richardson-injury-ribs-rookie-brownsSB Nation NFL2012-10-14T15:19:52-04:002012-10-14T15:19:52-04:00Bengals vs. Browns - 4th Quarter Game Thread
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<figcaption>Matt Sullivan - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Browns got two huge plays in the third quarter: a punt return by <b>Joshua Cribbs</b>, and an interception by <b>Joe Haden</b>. Both plays set Cleveland up in Cincinnati territory, but the offense only managed a field goal both times, making it a 14-13 game. After another defensive stop, Cleveland's offense drove down the field into the red zone to end the third quarter.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/66/large_cincyjungle.com.full.42669.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a><b><span style="font-size: 20px;">VS.</span></b> <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1343810/large_dawgsbynature.com.full_medium.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a></p>
<p align="center"><b>Game:</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a><br><b>Date/Time:</b> Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. EDT<br><b>Local Television:</b> CBS, Channel 19 (Cleveland) - Kevin Harlan & Solomon Wilcots<br><b>Local Radio:</b> WMMS 100.7 - Jim Donovan & Doug Dieken</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3502494/cincinnati-bengals-vs-cleveland-browns-official-game-thread-4thChris Pokorny2012-10-14T14:27:43-04:002012-10-14T14:27:43-04:00Bengals vs. Browns - 3rd Quarter Game Thread
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<figcaption>Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Browns got off to a bang in the second quarter with a 71-yard touchdown pass from <b><span>Brandon Weeden</span></b> to <b><span>Josh Gordon</span></b>, tying the game at 7-7. It stayed that way most of the half, but then with just over two minutes to play, the Bengals got a long punt return. A few plays later, <b>Andy Dalton</b> connected with<b> A.J. Green</b> for a four-yard touchdown grab, giving Cincinnati a 14-7 lead heading into the half.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/66/large_cincyjungle.com.full.42669.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a><b><span style="font-size: 20px;">VS.</span></b> <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1343810/large_dawgsbynature.com.full_medium.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a></p>
<p align="center"><b>Game:</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a><br><b>Date/Time:</b> Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. EDT<br><b>Local Television:</b> CBS, Channel 19 (Cleveland) - Kevin Harlan & Solomon Wilcots<br><b>Local Radio:</b> WMMS 100.7 - Jim Donovan & Doug Dieken</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3502236/cincinnati-bengals-vs-cleveland-browns-official-game-thread-3rdChris Pokorny2012-10-14T13:45:11-04:002012-10-14T13:45:11-04:00WR Josh Gordon Catches 71-Yard Touchdown (VIDEO)
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<p>With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> facing a 7-0 deficit at the start of the second quarter, they struck back to tie the game at 7-7. On third down, QB <b><span>Brandon Weeden</span></b> dropped back and found WR <b><span>Josh Gordon</span></b> deep. Gordon made a nice one-handed grab and ran the rest of the way to complete a 71-yard touchdown.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1555051/cle.gif"></p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3502246/browns-wr-josh-gordon-catches-71-yard-touchdown-videoChris Pokorny2012-10-14T13:36:32-04:002012-10-14T13:36:32-04:00Bengals vs. Browns - 2nd Quarter Game Thread
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<figcaption> Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Things seemed to start well in the first quarter for Cleveland. They got a three-and-out on defense, and then the offense was driving down the field with success. Unfortunately, one of <b>Brandon Weeden's</b> passes was tipped by a defensive lineman, and then intercepted by defensive end <b>Michael Johnson</b>. Then, due to poor tackling, Bengals tight end <b>Jermaine Grasham</b> caught a third-down pass and went 55 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 7-0 lead heading into the second quarter.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/66/large_cincyjungle.com.full.42669.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a><b><span style="font-size: 20px;">VS.</span></b> <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1343810/large_dawgsbynature.com.full_medium.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a></p>
<p align="center"><b>Game:</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a><br><b>Date/Time:</b> Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. EDT<br><b>Local Television:</b> CBS, Channel 19 (Cleveland) - Kevin Harlan & Solomon Wilcots<br><b>Local Radio:</b> WMMS 100.7 - Jim Donovan & Doug Dieken</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3501648/cincinnati-bengals-vs-cleveland-browns-official-game-thread-2ndChris Pokorny2012-10-14T11:38:05-04:002012-10-14T11:38:05-04:00Fujita, Rubin Among Browns' Inactives vs. Bengals
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> have named the following players inactive for today's game against the Cincinnati Bengals: WR <b><span>Mohamed Massaquoi</span></b>, WR <b><span>Travis Benjamin</span></b>, OL <b><span>Ryan Miller</span></b>, DT <b><span>Ahtyba Rubin</span></b>, LB <b><span>Scott Fujita</span></b>, and S <b><span>Tashaun Gipson</span></b>, and CB <b><span>Dimitri Patterson</span></b>.</p>
<p>TE <b>Alex Smith</b> is active for the first time since Week 2, when he suffered a concussion against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>. LB <b><span>D'Qwell Jackson</span></b> is active and will start after suffering a concussion against the Giants last week. CB <b><span>Joe Haden</span></b> will return from his four-game suspension and is expected to shadow WR <b><span>A.J. Green</span></b> most of the game. RB <b>Brandon Jackson</b> is also active, probably due to how many players were already ruled out this week.</p>
<p>With Fujita out, reports indicate that rookie LB <b><span>James-Michael Johnson</span></b> will make his first career start at outside linebacker. The fourth-round pick was expected to contend for the starting role at the start of the season until he suffered a rib/oblique injury. This will be the first action that Johnson sees on defense this season. LB <b><span>L.J. Fort</span></b> is expected to shift back into his role as the backup middle linebacker, with LB <b><span>Craig Robertson</span></b> pairing up with Jackson in nickel back sets. DT <b><span>John Hughes</span></b> is expected to start in place of Rubin.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3501578/lb-scott-fujita-dt-ahtyba-rubin-among-browns-inactives-against-bengalsChris Pokorny2012-10-14T11:17:29-04:002012-10-14T11:17:29-04:00High Wind, Warm Temps for Bengals vs. Browns
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> have had to deal with rain during their past several games, and they are going to have to battle some conditions today against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> as well.</p>
<p>First, it is about 70 degrees in Cleveland, which is the warmest it has been in the city for a few weeks. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 72 degrees. There will also be swirling gusts of wind up to 23-24 miles per hour, which are expected to affect the kicking game. As good as <b><span>Phil Dawson</span></b> is, if he can't hit his kicks consistently during pregame, don't be surprised if the Browns punt the ball or go for it on fourth down in some situations.</p>
<p>According to Intellicast, their is a 0% chance of precipitation at the start of the game. That increases to 10% and 20% over the next two hours. Finally, at 4:00 PM, which could be right near the end of the fourth quarter, the chances of precipitation increase up to 50% to 60%. Clouds are expected to hover over the stadium for most of the game.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/10/14/3501506/high-wind-and-warm-temperatures-expected-for-bengals-vs-brownsChris Pokorny