News Summary
The Cincinnati Bengals secured a hard-fought victory over the Cleveland Browns, winning 17-16 in their season opener. With a strong defensive performance and a key touchdown from running back Chase Brown, the Bengals celebrated their first Week 1 win since 2021. Quarterback Joe Burrow had an efficient, if unremarkable, game, and kicker Evan McPherson played a vital role with a late field goal. Despite a strong performance from Browns quarterback Joe Flacco, the Bengals’ defense sealed the win with critical interceptions, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.
Cleveland – The Cincinnati Bengals triumphed over the Cleveland Browns with a narrow 17-16 victory in their 2025 season opener held on September 7 at Huntington Bank Field. This win marks a significant moment for the Bengals, as it represents their first Week 1 victory since the 2021 season.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, despite a modest performance with 103 passing yards on 14-for-23 attempts, played a pivotal role in securing the victory. Running back Chase Brown made his mark by scoring the season’s first touchdown with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, propelling the Bengals to an early lead. The team established a strong start with a solid 12-play, 68-yard drive that consumed over 7 minutes in the first quarter.
The Bengals’ defensive unit delivered an impressive performance, holding the Browns to just 53 yards and only three points during the first half, allowing Cincinnati to head into halftime with a 14-10 advantage. In the third quarter, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson scored a critical 35-yard field goal, extending their lead to 17-16, which ultimately secured the win for Cincinnati.
On the opposing side, Browns quarterback Joe Flacco had a more challenging game, throwing for 290 yards but struggling with interceptions. He completed 31 of 45 pass attempts but was intercepted twice, which hampered Cleveland’s chances of success. The Browns offense managed a total of 287 yards; however, they were plagued by missed opportunities, including a critical extra point and a potential game-winning 36-yard field goal missed by kicker Andre Szmyt.
The Bengals’ defense played a crucial role in sealing the victory late in the game. The team intercepted Flacco for the second time, ensuring that Cleveland could not make a comeback. Rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. made a noteworthy contribution to the defense with eight tackles, while Jordan Battle secured an interception, the Bengals’ second of the game.
Despite having no players listed on the injury report, the Bengals did see backup running back Tahj Brooks inactive for this matchup. The team will look to build on this victory as they prepare for their next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars scheduled for September 14, 2025.
Pre-game projections had favored the Bengals with a predicted score of 30-20 over the Browns, emphasizing the competitiveness expected in this matchup. The game was broadcast live on FOX and was also available for streaming through the FOX Sports app and YouTube’s NFL Sunday Ticket.
The season opener results reaffirm the Bengals’ resilience and readiness to compete in the upcoming weeks, creating a sense of anticipation for their fans and the league as they embark on the 2025 season.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: NFL Sex Toy Incident
- ESPN: Bengals vs Browns Week 1 Highlights
- Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals vs Browns Live Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NFL
- Dawgs by Nature: Bengals vs Browns Game Thread
- Google Search: Cleveland Browns
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