(Cleveland) Deshaun Watson caught a touchdown pass and provided a rushing touchdown Sunday, helping the Cleveland Browns win 24-3 over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Browns muzzled opposing quarterback Joe Burrow, the highest paid player in the NFL.
Watson had a 13-yard scoring run late in the first half.
It’s the kind of dynamic play the Browns (1-0) envisioned when signing him to a $230 million deal in 2022. Last season, Watson missed 11 games for violating league policy. regarding personal conduct.
His presence from week 1 led the Browns to think big.
Watson completed a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant in the final quarter. He made the two-point conversion by running straight ahead.
Burrow agreed to a $275 million contract extension on Friday.
He experienced a career low with 82 air yards (14 in 31), against a remodeled Browns defense.
Myles Garrett had a sack on fourth down early in the fourth quarter, helping seal the win against the AFC North champions.
The Bengals (0-1) cleared 10 times in 14 possessions.
The club pulled Burrow with 5:15 left in the game. He concluded the match on the bench, arms crossed.
Dustin Hopkins had field goals of 42, 34 and 43 yards in his debut with the Browns. They hired him last month, after thanking Cade York.
The 100e Ohio’s battle allowed coach Kevin Stefanski to improve his record to 6-1 against Cincinnati.
Watson’s touchdown run gave the Browns a 10-0 lead late in a first half that resulted in 11 punts. Amari Cooper made a major block in the sequence.
Burrow missed most of training camp with a calf injury and didn’t have the same ease of movement as usual.
Throughout the game, the Browns honored the late Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown. The most productive running back in their history, he died in May at the age of 87.
Nick Chubb of the Browns came onto the field carrying a flag with Brown’s number 32. He went to the other end zone and handed it to Brown’s son, Aris.
His number was painted on both sidelines and throughout the campaign, Browns players will wear a patch with the number 32.
The Bengals will play at home next Sunday against fellow section rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.
In another North American game, the Browns will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 18.