Reserve cornerback Sam Webb had one of two defensive touchdowns for the Browns in the first half. (Cleveland Browns)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns and NFL analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
CINCINNATI
Instant takeaways from Browns 20-18 win over Cincinnati Bengals …
1. That’s a wrap: Andre Szmyt completed his remarkable turnaround from losing Game 1 against the Bengals to winning Game 17 against the same Bengals. Szmyt made a field goal from 49 yards as time expired for an incredible 20-18 Browns win. Szmyt missed two kicks in the opening game 17-16 loss to the Bengals, but was "money" the rest of the season. The Browns’ defense scored two touchdowns to keep them ahead most of the day. Joe Burrow’s 5-yard TD to Ja’Marr Chase with 1:23 to play gave the Bengals an 18-17 lead. Shedeur Sanders then moved the Browns 40 yards in 10 plays to set up the game-winner. The Browns finished their 5-12 season with wins over rivals Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, leaving Kevin Stefanski’s future still in doubt. Although the defense scored two TDs, it marked the 10th game this year the Browns’ offense failed to score that many. Myles Garrett earned his record-breaking 23rd sack of the season with 5:16 to play.
2. It’s official: Garrett was frustrated much of the afternoon as Burrow eluded him with short passes and desperate keepers. He got his record-breaking sack with 5:16 to play. It was a clean sack that Garrett earned right off the snap of the ball, giving him 23 on the season. About half the players on the sideline sprinted onto the field to celebrate with Garrett. Garrett took a victory lap to the sideline for one of his few breaks on the day. During a timeout, Browns defensive players hoisted Garrett on their shoulders as he further celebrated the moment. Which was fitting, since he has carried them all season.
3. What’s my line?: At the 12:39 mark of the fourth quarter, center Luke Wypler limped off with a knee injury. He did not return. Zak Zinter came in to play his first NFL game at center. At that point, the Browns’ offensive line featured the likes of Cam Robinson at left tackle, Joel Bitonio at left guard, Zinter, Teven Jenkins at right guard and KT Leveston at right tackle.
4. Finally: The Browns' offense finally put points on the board with a short field goal on the first possession of the second half. It should have been more but tight end Sam Cannella dropped Sanders’ best pass so far while falling in the end zone, nullifying a would-be 37-yard TD. Still, the Browns led, 17-12, despite being thoroughly outplayed.
5. Stranger things: At halftime, the Bengals held huge advantages in total yards (231 to 40) and first downs (14 to 2). Yet the Browns led, 14-12. How? The defense scored two TDs on a Devin Bush 97-yard Pick 6 and a Sam Webb 47-yard fumble return. While Szmyt made two PATs from 48 yards (after 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the TD-scorers), Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson missed two PATs from the normal 33-yard distance, one blocked by Alex Wright.
6. Shedeur’s struggles: Sanders had a rough first half, completing 5 of 10 passes for 48 yards. He was nearly intercepted on three throws and sacked three times. Sanders lost a fumble on his first sack at the Browns’ 29, which set up the Bengals’ first TD.
7. Joe Cool: Burrow had to be angry about the 14-12 halftime deficit. At the half, he was 14 of 19 for 127 yards and two TDs, with one interception – and was sack-less. Burrow’s TDs were for 4 yards to Chase Brown, who was open after Bush and Denzel Ward collided, and 13 yards on a perfect fade in the left corner to Tee Higgins over the aforementioned Webb.
8. Over and out: Webb was playing a lot because the Browns lost both starting cornerbacks in the first half. Tyson Campbell left with a shoulder injury and Denzel Ward with a neck injury. Campbell returned in the third quarter; Ward did not.
9. Say, who?: The Browns’ second defensive touchdown was scored by Sam Webb. Yes, Sam Webb. The cornerback was signed off the Titans’ practice squad in November. Webb picked up a fumble by tight end Noah Fant jarred loose on a hit by Grant Delpit after a catch, and he returned it 47 yards to the end zone. Webb was flagged for an unacceptable celebration after the TD, forcing a 48-yard PAT by Szymt.
10. Group effort: It took a village for the Browns’ first touchdown. Under pressure from Garrett, Burrow’s pass for Tee Higgins was deflected at the line by Shelby Harris. Linebacker Devin Bush intercepted the ball at the Browns’ 3-yard line and weaved his way to the end zone for his second Pick 6 of the season. Garrett escorted him all the way and probably saved the TD with a block on Chase Brown, who was gaining on Bush from behind. Bush was flagged twice -- for taunting and for an unacceptable TD celebration -- forcing the first of two 48-yard PATs by Szmyt.
11. Plan your 2026 travel: Browns’ opponents for 2026 have been determined, beyond the home-and-aways with AFC North rivals. Their home schedule features games against Houston, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Carolina and Las Vegas. Their road games are at Jacksonville, Tennessee, Tampa, New Orleans, and two New York (Giants and Jets). An international game could be poached from their road schedule.
12. Pre-game notes: Teven Jenkins cleared concussion protocol on Saturday, allowing him to start at right guard and keep Zak Zinter from making his first start this season. No surprises on the inactive list: tight end Harold Fannin, offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers, center Kingsley Eguakun, receiver Jamari Thrash, tight end David Njoku, and defensive tackle Sam Kamara.