On The Mark 10.24.16: Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals Recap

0 for 7; The Browns lose yet again, 30-17, to the Bengals, and also lose another QB
By Mark West, @Markw2112

The Cleveland Browns are headed towards a historic 2016 season.  Sadly, this history might be one of the worst teams in NFL history.  The Browns have now lost all 7 of their games, this time to the Cincinnati Bengals, 30-17 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.  The Bengals, who have had issues of their own, were able to completely maul the Browns on both sides of the ball.  

Cody Kessler started the game and, when time allowed him, looked good yet again.  Yet the offensive line was over matched by the Bengals defensive line and Kessler paid the price.  On an excellent shovel pass to Gary Barnidge, he was hit in the head then hit his head to the ground by defender Domata Peko in the second quarter.  He went 9-of-11 for 82 yards before being knocked out of the game and in to concussion protocol.

When Kessler went down, in came 4th string QB Kevin Hogan, who had a few excellent runs in a wild cat formation usually reserved for Terrelle Pryor.  Hogan tried to lead the team with his feet as he was the leading rusher with 108 yards and a touchdown.  Passing, he was 12-of-24 for 100 yards and 2 interceptions.  Gary Barnidge led all receivers with 66 yards.  Terrelle Pryor, fighting a hamstring issue, only had 2 catches for 18 yards.

For the Bengals, it was all too easy on the offensive side.  With Joe Haden sidelined yet again with an injury, Andy Dalton (19-of-28, 308 yards, 2 TD's) had no problem connecting with A.J. Green, who ended his day with 169 yards and an amazing Hail Mary touchdown to end the first half to make it 28-17 going in to halftime.  Jeremy Hill also ran for 168 yards on 9 attempts while Gio Bernard had a touchdown with 80 yards rushing.  The Bengals had 559 total yards against the Browns depleted defense.

The Browns will play the Jets next Sunday, in Cleveland, at 1 PM.