The Browns finished the regular season with a 31-14 loss to the Bengals on Sunday. However, with the postseason secured and the fifth seed in the AFC secured, the Browns used Sunday’s game to give their younger players and backups game experience.
“Obviously, you come down here and want to go get a win,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski. “I was disappointed with the results, but those guys played really hard.” That was an excellent learning opportunity for a group of young men, in my opinion. They will improve as a result.”
They’ll now focus on preparing for the Wild Card round of the playoffs and their game against Houston. Before we turn the page, let’s look at the key takeaways from Sunday’s loss.
A look at offensive quarterback Jeff Driskel.
Driskel was signed from the Cardinals’ practice squad to the Browns’ active roster about ten days ago. He joined the team and was thrown into practices right away after being named the starting quarterback for Week 18. He spent the week getting to know his new teammates as well as learning everything he could about the Browns’ offensive system.
He was the Browns’ fifth quarterback to start a game this season when he took the field for the first offensive drive. Driskel struggled early in the game, being intercepted on his first throw, but settled in as the game progressed.
“I thought he operated well,” Stefanski stated. “There’s definitely something in every game for every quarterback that I know he wants back.” But, all things considered, I thought he performed admirably.”
Driskel completed 13 of 26 passes for 166 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Driskel stated that he felt more at ease as the game progressed.
“Getting into the flow of the game was good,” Driskel said. “Getting some things started just boosts confidence in myself and everyone else.” So you could see us clicking a little bit once we got some stuff going. But the more opportunities you have out there, the more at ease you’ll become.”
Driskel also connected with WR David Bell twice in the fourth quarter to help the Browns score. The first came with 8:45 remaining in the game, when Driskel hit Bell for a 31-yard touchdown reception. Then, with 2:39 remaining in the game, Driskel connected with Bell again for a 24-yard touchdown pass.
During the week of practice leading up to their Week 18 matchup, the two developed a friendship.
“That was cool,” Driskel commented. “It was great for me to get a couple of touchdowns there.” And he’s a guy who I found out pretty quickly in practice that if you give him a chance, he’ll probably catch it.”
Following a pectoral injury, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo returns.
While several defensive players were inactive or resting for the Browns, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo returned to the field on Sunday. He missed the previous three games due to a pectoral injury. Okoronkwo returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring himself against the Jaguars in Week 14 and was a limited participant throughout the week.
The Browns wanted to get Okoronkwo some game time before the playoffs started because he has been an important part of their defensive line’s success. Okoronkwo has 31 tackles this season, 22 of which are solo and nine of which are assisted, as well as 4.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
“We’re really excited to get Ogbo back,” Stefanski said. “He’s such an important part of our success, our team, and everything we do.” So, I’m just glad to see 54 back out there.”
Okoronkwo did not record a tackle on Sunday, but he was on the field for several defensive possessions. As their edge rusher, he saw action in both passing situations and on a few run downs. Following the game, Okoronkwo stated that he did not feel limited by wearing the harness on his left shoulder to help protect the injury as he returned to the field.
Updates on injuries
The Browns suffered a few injuries late in the game on Sunday. After taking a hit in the fourth quarter, WR Cedric Tillman left the game to be evaluated for a head injury. Tillman is in concussion protocol, according to Stefanski after the game.
Stefanski stated that RB Pierre Strong Jr. was hit in the lower back in the fourth quarter and that more information on the injury will be available on Monday.
Shelby Harris left the game with a shin injury, but Stefanski said Harris would be fine.
