Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow called out his offense’s performance after a 17-16 Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
“Any time you can win like this, you kind of steal one,” Burrow said after the contest, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby. “We stole one today. We’re going to have to do better.”
Burrow finished the game with just 113 passing yards, his fewest in a game he started and finished since the 2023 season opener, which also came against the Browns. The Bengals totaled only seven net yards in the second half, the fewest a winning team has produced in a game in over 25 years, per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi.
Cincinnati signed wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to lucrative multi-year extensions this offseason to ensure the unit’s long-term promise. Chase, now the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, was targeted just five times in the contest with only two catches for 26 yards.
The Browns were able to consistently pressure Burrow throughout the contest, and star pass-rusher Myles Garrett took over at times. The 29-year-old recorded four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and two sacks.
“It’s tough to find anybody better than that guy,” Burrow said of Garrett.
The Bengals were outgained by 186 yards, but Cincinnati’s defense forced two turnovers and didn’t give up points on the final five drives of the game. Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt missed a field goal and an extra point in the contest.
“Forget about the stats, forget about the score, forget about how it all played out,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “The best outcome could have been 1-and-0. And we’re proud of that.”
Cincinnati will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday.
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