(Cleveland) Deshaun Watson caught a touchdown pass and provided a rushing touchdown on 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 payout 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 pact 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 had a career-low 82 yards (14-for-31) against a revamped Browns defense.
Browns players were motivated by the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase using the word “elves” to talk about them earlier in the week. They made life tough on Burrow from the start, earning their first win since 2014 in case their season starts at home.
“The guys wanted to prove something,” Watson said. They did what they had to do. The guys are on fire and they have the approach to match. They have energy and we saw it today. »
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) punted 10 times in 14 possessions.
The club retired Burrow with 5:15 remaining. He finished the game on the bench with his arms folded.
Dustin Hopkins had field goals of 42, 34 and 43 yards in his Browns debut. They hired him last month, after thanking Cade York.
Ohio’s 100th battle helped coach Kevin Stefanski improve 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 landed an all-important block on the streak.
Burrow missed most of training camp with a calf injury, and he 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 on it. 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 featuring the number 32.
Chubb also stood out with 106 rushing yards on 18 carries.
“He’s the best in the world,” Watson said. He will continue to show it. »
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.
In their NFL debut, Bijan Robinson got the better of Bryce Young and the Atlanta Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 on Sunday.
Young was the victim of two interceptions by Jessie Bates in what was a rough start to the NFL for the former University of Alabama star, who is being counted on to get the Panthers back on track. way.
Robinson was selected eighth by the Falcons, flouting the belief that running backs shouldn’t be drafted so quickly. He showed off his versatility by catching an 11-yard touchdown pass.
He also ran for 21 yards to pave the way for the Falcons’ lead-tying touchdown run, Tyler Allgeier’s three-yard run, in the first minute of the fourth quarter.
“It was a super fun first game for me,” Robinson said. I can’t wait until we can show what we can accomplish again. »
Allgeier added a touchdown on another three-yard run, with just under five minutes left in the game.
It was a tough day for attacks by young quarterbacks with a lot to prove.
Desmond Ridder, who started the final four games of his rookie season, previewing his first full year in charge, didn’t get much in the way of long passes. He was the victim of four sacks and completed 15 of his 18 passes, for 116 yards.
It was even tougher for Young, the first overall pick. One of the few good moments was in the second quarter, when he spotted Hayden Hurst for his first touchdown, on a four-yard play.
Veteran wideout Adam Thielen said it’s not a single setback that will erode the club’s confidence in Young.
“We definitely believe in him,” said Thielen, who had 12 yards on two receptions. We have great confidence in him. »
The game was tied 7-7 at halftime.
Young was the victim of two sacks and received a penalty for delaying the game.
He completed 20 of 38 passes for 146 yards. Young had the opportunity to become the first quarterback since David Carr in 2002 to earn his first career start after being picked first overall in the draft.
“It’s my fault,” Young said. I have to execute better. I didn’t do a good job with the ball and in certain situations. I will try to learn and improve. »
The last 15 players in this situation are 0-14-1.
Robinson’s first career touchdown was a memorable one, as it was orchestrated by Bates’ first interception of the game, putting the Falcons at the Panthers’ 17.
The Panthers’ Jaycee Horn left the game in the first half and did not return, following a back thigh injury.
The Panthers (0-1) will host the New Orleans Saints on September 18.
The Falcons (1-0) will host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.
Darius Slay returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown Sunday, helping the Philadelphia Eagles to a 25-20 win over the New England Patriots.
The Eagles quickly took advantage of two turnovers by the Patriots, who also paid tribute to their former star quarterback Tom Brady at the half.
Jalen Hurts completed 22 of 33 passes for 170 yards, including a five-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith.
In the fourth quarter, he fumbled the ball and the Pats came close to turning the game around, but the Eagles escaped.
Jake Elliott provided four field goals for Philadelphia (1-0), which did not score a touchdown beyond the first quarter.
Ineffective at the start of the game, Mac Jones ultimately amassed 316 passing yards, including three connections for touchdowns. He was the victim of an interception.
Kendrick Bourne had two touchdown receptions, one more than Hunter Henry.
In terms of yards obtained, the Patriots (0-1) dominated 382-251 against the National champions.
New England pulled within 25-20 on an 11-yard touchdown catch from Bourne late in the final quarter.
We wanted to convert from two points but it failed twice, the first due to a holding penalty.
Hurts continued by carrying the ball himself eight yards, before a tackle from Jabrill Peppers made him lose the object.
Marcus Jones picked it up, placing the ball at the Eagles’ 41 line with 3:28 on the clock.
The threat ended on second down, where Jordan Davis and Josh Sweat combined for a sack.
The Patriots had one more chance, driving to the 19-yard line on a 17-yard catch from Mike Gesicki with 1:02 remaining.
But once again a sack, this time from Jalen Carter, dampened the momentum of the crowd favorites.
Then, on a fourth down and 11, wideout Kayshon Boutte came close to putting the second foot inside the field, less than 10 yards from the end zone. The recovery, however, confirmed that this was not the case.
The Patriots’ first five drives were nothing – Slay’s burst, a fumble that ended up costing a touchdown, then three streaks of three consecutive failed attempts. The Eagles took the opportunity to take a 16-0 lead.
The score grew to 16-14, before the visitors began the final quarter leading 19-14.
Three points were added when Elliott narrowly completed a 48-yard kick.
Elliott added a 51-yarder midway through the final period.
The Eagles will play again on Thursday when they host the Minnesota Vikings.
The Patriots will host the Miami Dolphins next Sunday evening.
