The Cleveland Browns had a big victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9.
This was a big game for both teams, and it marks the first meeting between them when both were above .500 since December 2014.
Keeping pace with the 7-2 first-place Baltimore Ravens was vital for both.
Here are three things we learned in the Browns victory over the Bengals.
1. This Week Was Not A Distraction
Huge TEAM Win! #Browns. All we got is all we need! Let’s keep it rolling! S.T.A.R.T
— JW Johnson (@JDubsIII) November 7, 2021
The concern for the Browns was that the OBJ issues that clouded the entire week impacted the team’s preparation for the Bengals.
After all, players liked OBJ’s dad’s 11-minute video so the mood and unity within the locker room were in question.
We found out immediately in this game that if anything, there was a laser focus and a determination to get the win.
Kudos to Coach Stefanski and his staff for getting this team ready and having a good game plan that the team successfully executed.
2. A Huge Nick Chubb Day Cures Everything
HAVE A DAY NICK CHUBB pic.twitter.com/NNZXx5Mtc3
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 7, 2021
The Browns are most successful when the running game is operating on all cylinders.
With the injuries to Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb, we have not seen the Browns running game at its best besides D’Ernest Johnson‘s big performance against Denver.
Today, Chubb ran with reckless abandon as if he was taking out the frustrations of his injury and this team’s disappointing losses on the Bengals.
Sign us up for 8 or more of these Nick Chubb performances.
It cannot be overstated that the offensive line is instrumental in the success of the running game so those are the unsung heroes that create the holes for Chubb and the other running backs.
3. Big Defensive Plays Do Wonders Also
Say it with me DENZEL WARD🔒🥶
— Greg Newsome II (@gnewsii) November 7, 2021
We know what Denzel Ward can do.. if he is healthy.
Staying healthy has been a huge challenge for him.
Watching him step up and get that huge interception as the Bengals were driving and in the red zone in the first quarter really gave the entire Browns team the momentum and confidence it needed.
It also deflated the Bengals’ offense.
The Browns have been on the receiving end of plenty of those momentum changing plays in the past couple of years so it was especially satisfying to initiate one and for Ward to be the player who did it.
Conclusion
This has to be the beginning of a trend.
The Browns roster is deep and talented, and we finally got to see top-notch performances by both the offense and defense in the same game.
We also saw the Browns record a decisive victory and never really be in jeopardy of losing the game.
What a nice change.
The New England Patriots are the Browns’ Week 10 opponent, and we need to see a very similar performance against Bill Belichick and company for the Browns to collect another win.
NEXT: Former Browns Linebacker Has A Message For Selfish Players
