Overview

• Andre Szmyt pushed an extra point wide right with 7:20 left in the third quarter and missed a 36-yard attempt with 2:22 remaining in the fourth of the season opener.
• Cleveland lost 17-16, and social media reactions and fan comments in coverage pressed for the Browns to replace the rookie kicker.
• Joe Flacco went 31-for-45 for about 290 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in his first Browns start, with both picks deflecting off receivers’ hands per reports.
• Drops resurfaced as a problem and a stagnant ground game produced just 49 yards on 24 carries, contributing to stalled drives.
• Despite the defeat, the defense limited Cincinnati to 11 first downs and 141 total yards, with Evan McPherson’s field goal providing the Bengals’ late edge.