News Article(permalink)
Baker Mayfield threw for two touchdowns and coach Kevin Stefanski recorded his first NFL win as the Cleveland Browns beat the Cincinnati Bengals 35-30 on Thursday in Cleveland, Ohio. Quarterback Mayfield completed 16 of 23 passes for 219 yards and Nick Chubb ran for two touchdowns and 124 yards in front of just 6,000 health-vetted fans, the smallest crowd to witness a Browns-Bengals NFL game. Mayfield also had one interception with the touchdowns going to Odell Beckham and Kareem Hunt. Chubb had 22 carries, Hunt rushed for 86 yards and a score on 10 carries for the Browns, who improved to 1-1 in the young season. Rookie Joe Burrow was 37 of 61 for 316 yards and three touchdowns for Cincinnati, who fell to 0-2. Randy Bullock kicked three field goals after missing a last-second attempt Sunday that would have tied a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. There were just 6,000 fans inside 68,000-seat FirstEnergy Stadium for Cleveland's home opener after American health officials permitted the team to have a gathering larger than state COVID-19 regulations allow. Cleveland bounced back from a disappointing performance last week in Baltimore, where they were routed 38-6 by the Ravens in Stefanski's coaching debut. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Burrows looked impressive on Thursday. His third touchdown pass with less than a minute to go pulled the Bengals within five points. But the Browns recovered the next onside kick and were able to run out the clock. gph/bfm
Author: