Deshaun Watson runs for TD, Browns bottle up Joe Burrow in 24-3 win

NFL

Watson is in uniform from the beginning this season.

Cincinnati Bengals large receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) fails to make a catch in opposition to the Cleveland Browns through the second half of an NFL soccer sport Sunday. Sue Ogrocki/AP Picture

By TOM WITHERS, Related Press

CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson ran for a landing and threw for one more, and Cleveland’s protection bottled up Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow — the NFL’s new highest-paid participant — because the Browns opened the season with a 24-3 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

Watson bolted for a 13-yard TD late within the first half, making the sort of dynamic play the Browns (1-0) envisioned after they signed him to a $230 million contract in 2022. He missed 11 video games final season for violating the league’s private conduct coverage.

Watson is in uniform from the beginning this season, and his presence has Cleveland anticipating large issues.

He added a 3-yard TD move within the fourth quarter to tight finish Harrison Bryant, and Watson celebrated by skipping down the sector in entrance of Cincinnati’s sideline earlier than changing the 2-point attempt with a run up the center.

Burrow had a tough opener, two days after signing a five-year, $275 million extension — giving him the best common annual wage in league historical past. The Browns held Burrow to a career-worst 82 yards passing (14 of 31) as Cleveland’s rebuilt defensive position pressured him all day.

Myles Garrett sacked Burrow on fourth down with 10:27 left to assist seal Cleveland’s stunningly simple win over the AFC North champions. The Browns pressured the Bengals to punt 10 instances in 14 possessions.

The Bengals (0-1) pulled Burrow with 5:15 left, and he spent the rest of the sport watching together with his arms folded on the bench.

Dustin Hopkins kicked three subject objectives — from 42, 34 and 43 yards — in his debut for the Browns, who traded for him final month after chopping Cade York.

The a centesimal “Battle of Ohio” was quick on memorable moments, however Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski improved to 6-1 in opposition to the Browns’ in-state rival.

Watson’s scoring run on a wonderfully designed draw play put the Browns up 10-0 on the finish of a sloppy first half through which the groups mixed to punt 11 instances.

Out of timeouts, the Browns overloaded the precise facet earlier than Watson took the snap and sprinted left for the tip zone, getting a seal block from large receiver Amari Cooper.

Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt celebrated with an enormous hug after their QB crossed the objective line.

Burrow missed most of coaching camp with a calf sprain and didn’t seem like as cell as typical. The misty, moist climate didn’t assist him both as he struggled to get a very good grip within the first half earlier than placing on a glove.

Cincinnati punted seven instances within the opening half, crossed midfield twice and picked up 97 yards.

REMEMBERING BROWN

The Browns honored the late Corridor of Fame operating again Jim Brown all through the house opener. Brown, the main rusher in staff historical past, died in Might at age 87.

Nick Chubb led the Browns onto the sector carrying a flag bearing Brown’s No. 32. He ran to the opposite finish zone and handed it to Brown’s son, Aris.

Cleveland’s gamers are sporting a 32 patch on their jerseys this season and his quantity can also be painted on each sidelines.

INJURIES

Browns: RT Jack Conklin was carted off within the second quarter with a left knee harm. Conklin, who signed a four-year contract extension in December, was changed by rookie Dawand Jones.

UP NEXT

Bengals: Keep contained in the AFC North, internet hosting Baltimore subsequent Sunday.

Browns: A Monday evening journey to Pittsburgh to play the rival Steelers on Sept. 18.