Cleveland Browns vs Bengals Match Player Stats
The cleveland browns vs bengals match player stats from September 7, 2025, tell the story of a dramatic AFC North contest decided by just one point. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 17-16 in a closely fought season opener at Cleveland’s home stadium. Although Joe Flacco produced 290 passing yards and completed 31 of his 45 attempts, Cincinnati’s defense made the difference by recording two interceptions. Joe Burrow, meanwhile, delivered a more conservative performance, throwing for 113 yards and one touchdown without an interception. The difference between the teams was not simply offensive production. Turnovers, defensive pressure, red-zone execution, and special teams all played important roles in determining the result.
This game offered an interesting contrast between two quarterbacks with very different statistical performances. Cleveland moved the ball more effectively through the air, while Cincinnati protected possession better and capitalized on crucial defensive opportunities. The Browns also received strong contributions from several receivers, including Jerry Jeudy, Dylan Sampson, Harold Fannin Jr., and Cedric Tillman.
For readers examining the complete player statistics, this breakdown covers quarterback performances, rushing production, receiving contributions, defensive performances, interceptions, special teams, and the most important factors behind Cincinnati’s narrow victory.
Cleveland Browns vs Bengals Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The September 7 meeting between Cleveland and Cincinnati was a competitive divisional matchup that demonstrated how small differences can decide NFL games.
Cincinnati entered the contest looking to begin its season with a victory. Cleveland had home-field advantage and an opportunity to start its campaign with a statement performance against a familiar division rival.
The Bengals ultimately secured the win, but the final score reflected how competitive the matchup remained throughout the afternoon.
Final Score and Match Information
| Match Detail | Information |
| Matchup | Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals |
| Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Competition | NFL Regular Season |
| League | National Football League |
| Final Score | Bengals 17, Browns 16 |
| Winning Team | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Losing Team | Cleveland Browns |
| Winning Margin | 1 point |
| Game Status | Final |
| Bengals Record | 1-0 |
| Browns Record | 0-1 |
| Bengals Away Record | 1-0 |
| Browns Home Record | 0-1 |
| ESPN Game ID | 401772829 |
The result gave Cincinnati its first victory of the season, while Cleveland began its campaign with a narrow home defeat.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
The scoring pattern shows how Cincinnati established an early advantage and how Cleveland responded before halftime.
| Quarter | Bengals | Browns |
| First Quarter | 7 | 0 |
| Second Quarter | 7 | 10 |
| Third Quarter | 3 | 6 |
| Fourth Quarter | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 17 | 16 |
Cincinnati scored seven points in the opening quarter and added another touchdown in the second. Cleveland responded with 10 points in the second quarter, turning the contest into a much closer matchup.
The third quarter produced another important exchange. Cincinnati added a field goal, while Cleveland scored six points.
Neither team added points in the fourth quarter according to the supplied scoring data.
That final-quarter scoring drought made every earlier possession particularly important. Cincinnati’s ability to preserve its one-point advantage ultimately secured the result.
Complete Quarterback Statistics
Quarterback performance was one of the most interesting aspects of this matchup.
Joe Flacco finished with substantially more passing yards than Joe Burrow. However, the Bengals quarterback avoided interceptions, while Flacco threw two costly picks.
This contrast highlights an important point when evaluating NFL quarterbacks: passing yardage alone does not determine how effectively a player manages a game.
Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow’s passing performance
| Statistic | Result |
| Completions | 14 |
| Attempts | 23 |
| Completion Percentage | 60.9% |
| Passing Yards | 113 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 4.9 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 18 |
| QBR | 62.8 |
| Passer Rating | 87.8 |
Burrow completed 14 of 23 passing attempts for 113 yards and one touchdown.
His completion percentage was approximately 60.9%, and he averaged 4.9 yards per attempt.
These numbers were not particularly explosive, especially when compared with Flacco’s passing production. However, Burrow made an important contribution by avoiding interceptions.
His three sacks also show that Cleveland’s defensive front created problems for the Cincinnati passing attack.
The Browns generated pressure and limited the Bengals’ ability to develop consistent passing plays. Despite that pressure, Burrow maintained possession and helped his team finish with 17 points.
The most important aspect of Burrow’s performance was ball security. His zero-interception performance contrasted sharply with Cleveland’s two interceptions and became an important part of Cincinnati’s winning formula.
Joe Flacco: Cleveland Browns
Joe Flacco’s passing performance
| Statistic | Result |
| Completions | 31 |
| Attempts | 45 |
| Completion Percentage | 68.9% |
| Passing Yards | 290 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 6.4 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 12 |
| QBR | 30.6 |
| Passer Rating | 75.2 |
Flacco completed 31 of 45 attempts, finishing with 290 passing yards and one touchdown.
His completion percentage of approximately 68.9% was higher than Burrow’s. He also produced considerably more passing yardage.
However, his two interceptions were significant setbacks.
Cleveland needed to convert its offensive production into points, but losing possession twice gave Cincinnati valuable opportunities to control the game.
Flacco distributed the football across multiple receivers. Jerry Jeudy, Dylan Sampson, Harold Fannin Jr., Cedric Tillman, and David Njoku all contributed to the passing attack.
The Browns’ passing game demonstrated that it could move the football effectively. The challenge was turning that production into a winning result.
Joe Burrow vs Joe Flacco: Statistical Comparison
| Passing Category | Joe Burrow | Joe Flacco |
| Completions | 14 | 31 |
| Attempts | 23 | 45 |
| Completion Percentage | 60.9% | 68.9% |
| Passing Yards | 113 | 290 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 4.9 | 6.4 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 2 |
| Sacks | 3 | 2 |
| QBR | 62.8 | 30.6 |
| Passer Rating | 87.8 | 75.2 |
The comparison reveals two different approaches to quarterback efficiency.
Flacco led in:
- Passing completions.
- Passing attempts.
- Completion percentage.
- Total passing yards.
- Average yards per attempt.
Burrow led in:
- Avoiding interceptions.
- Passer rating.
- QBR.
The statistical difference between passing yards and turnovers is especially important. Cleveland generated more passing offense, but Cincinnati protected the football more successfully.
Rushing Statistics: Browns vs Bengals
The rushing game was relatively limited for both teams.
Neither offense produced a particularly dominant ground performance. Cincinnati recorded 46 team rushing yards, while Cleveland finished with 49.
Both teams averaged approximately 2.0 yards per rushing attempt.
These figures suggest that the running game was not the primary source of offensive success for either side.
Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | TD | Longest |
| Chase Brown | 21 | 43 | 2.0 | 1 | 8 |
| Joe Burrow | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 2 |
| Team Total | 23 | 46 | 2.0 | 1 | 8 |
Chase Brown’s Performance
Chase Brown was Cincinnati’s leading rusher.
He recorded:
- 21 rushing attempts.
- 43 rushing yards.
- 2.0 yards per carry.
- One rushing touchdown.
- Eight yards on his longest run.
Brown received the majority of the Bengals’ rushing opportunities.
Although his average was relatively modest, his touchdown was an important contribution to Cincinnati’s offensive production.
His 21 carries also demonstrate that Cincinnati continued to rely on its running back despite facing difficulties creating large rushing gains.
Joe Burrow’s Rushing Contribution
Burrow added three rushing yards on two attempts.
His rushing contribution was limited, but it gave Cincinnati a small amount of additional ground production.
He did not record a rushing touchdown.
Cleveland Browns Rushing Leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | TD | Longest |
| Dylan Sampson | 12 | 29 | 2.4 | 0 | 5 |
| Jerome Ford | 6 | 8 | 1.3 | 0 | 2 |
| Joe Flacco | 2 | 6 | 3.0 | 0 | 4 |
| Raheim Sanders | 3 | 3 | 1.0 | 1 | 2 |
| Harold Fannin Jr. | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| Team Total | 24 | 49 | 2.0 | 1 | 5 |
Dylan Sampson’s Ground Production
Dylan Sampson led Cleveland in rushing yards.
He recorded 12 carries for 29 yards, averaging 2.4 yards per attempt.
His longest run covered five yards.
Although he did not score a rushing touchdown, Sampson contributed in two areas by participating in both the ground game and the passing attack.
His receiving production was particularly notable, as he finished with eight receptions for 64 yards.
Jerome Ford’s Contribution
Jerome Ford recorded six carries for eight rushing yards.
His average of 1.3 yards per attempt indicates that he struggled to generate significant rushing gains.
He also contributed one reception, although that play resulted in negative three receiving yards.
Raheim Sanders’ Touchdown
Raheim Sanders recorded three carries for three yards and one rushing touchdown.
His touchdown was important because it provided Cleveland with another scoring contribution despite his limited overall rushing production.
Team Rushing Comparison
| Statistic | Bengals | Browns |
| Total Carries | 23 | 24 |
| Rushing Yards | 46 | 49 |
| Yards Per Carry | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Longest Recorded Run | 8 | 5 |
The Browns held a slight advantage in rushing yardage, but neither team established a consistent ground attack.
Receiving Statistics: Every Important Offensive Contributor
Receiving production provides another important perspective on this game.
Cleveland distributed the football more frequently and produced 290 receiving yards. Cincinnati recorded 113 receiving yards.
The Browns’ passing attack involved several players, while the Bengals received smaller contributions from their primary targets.
Cincinnati Bengals Receiving Statistics
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Average | TD |
| Tee Higgins | 3 | 4 | 33 | 11.0 | 0 |
| Noah Fant | 4 | 5 | 26 | 6.5 | 1 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 2 | 5 | 26 | 13.0 | 0 |
| Mike Gesicki | 1 | 3 | 14 | 14.0 | 0 |
| Chase Brown | 2 | 3 | 8 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Samaje Perine | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3.0 | 0 |
| Drew Sample | 0 | 1 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
| Team Total | 14 | 23 | 113 | 8.1 | 1 |
Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins led Cincinnati in receiving yards.
His performance included:
- Three receptions.
- Four targets.
- 33 receiving yards.
- 11.0 yards per reception.
- A longest reception of 13 yards.
Higgins provided Cincinnati with a reliable receiving option.
Although he did not record a touchdown, he led the Bengals’ receiving group in total yardage.
His ability to gain yards after securing passes helped Cincinnati maintain some offensive balance.
Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase recorded two receptions for 26 yards on five targets.
His average of 13.0 yards per reception was higher than Higgins’ average.
Chase also recorded Cincinnati’s longest reception, covering 20 yards.
His limited number of catches suggests that Cleveland’s defense restricted his overall involvement in the passing game.
However, his ability to generate 26 yards from only two receptions demonstrated his big-play potential.
Noah Fant
Noah Fant made an important contribution to Cincinnati’s scoring.
He finished with:
- Four receptions.
- Five targets.
- 26 receiving yards.
- One touchdown.
- 6.5 yards per reception.
Fant’s touchdown made him one of Cincinnati’s most important offensive contributors.
His four catches also tied him for the most receptions among Bengals players.
Mike Gesicki
Mike Gesicki recorded one reception for 14 yards.
Although he had limited involvement, his 14-yard catch provided Cincinnati with another receiving option.
Chase Brown and Samaje Perine
Chase Brown added two receptions for eight yards, while Samaje Perine finished with two catches for six yards.
Both players contributed as receiving options from the backfield.
These short receptions provided Burrow with additional passing targets when the Bengals needed alternatives to their wide receivers and tight ends.
Cleveland Browns Receiving Statistics
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Average | TD |
| Jerry Jeudy | 5 | 8 | 66 | 13.2 | 0 |
| Dylan Sampson | 8 | 8 | 64 | 8.0 | 0 |
| Harold Fannin Jr. | 7 | 9 | 63 | 9.0 | 0 |
| Cedric Tillman | 5 | 8 | 52 | 10.4 | 1 |
| David Njoku | 3 | 6 | 37 | 12.3 | 0 |
| Jamari Thrash | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 |
| Isaiah Bond | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Jerome Ford | 1 | 1 | -3 | -3.0 | 0 |
| Team Total | 31 | 42 | 290 | 9.4 | 1 |
Jerry Jeudy: Cleveland’s Leading Receiver
Jerry Jeudy led the Browns in receiving yardage.
He finished with five receptions for 66 yards on eight targets.
His average was 13.2 yards per catch, and his longest reception covered 25 yards.
Jeudy was an important part of Cleveland’s passing offense because he consistently provided opportunities for meaningful yardage.
His 66 receiving yards represented the highest total among all listed players in the game.
Although he did not score a touchdown, his performance helped Cleveland maintain offensive movement.
Dylan Sampson: A Dual-Threat Contributor
Dylan Sampson delivered one of the most versatile performances among Cleveland’s offensive players.
His receiving numbers were:
- Eight receptions.
- Eight targets.
- 64 receiving yards.
- 8.0 yards per reception.
- Longest reception of 14 yards.
Combined with his 29 rushing yards, Sampson accumulated 93 yards from scrimmage.
This made him a significant contributor in both phases of Cleveland’s offense.
His eight receptions also tied for the most catches by any player in the game.
Harold Fannin Jr.
Harold Fannin Jr. recorded seven receptions for 63 yards.
He received nine targets and averaged nine yards per reception.
His longest reception covered 22 yards.
Fannin also recorded one rushing attempt for three yards.
His ability to contribute through both receiving and rushing opportunities gave Cleveland another flexible offensive option.
Cedric Tillman
Cedric Tillman finished with five receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown.
He received eight targets and averaged 10.4 yards per reception.
His longest reception was 25 yards.
Tillman’s touchdown was an important part of Cleveland’s scoring effort.
Although Jeudy produced more receiving yards, Tillman’s ability to reach the end zone made his contribution especially valuable.
David Njoku
David Njoku recorded three catches for 37 yards on six targets.
His average of 12.3 yards per reception demonstrated his ability to generate useful gains when targeted.
His longest reception covered 17 yards.
Njoku did not record a touchdown in the supplied statistics, but he remained a contributing option in Cleveland’s passing game.
Cleveland’s Receiving Depth
The Browns also received contributions from several additional players.
- Jamari Thrash recorded one reception for six yards.
- Isaiah Bond recorded one reception for five yards.
- Jerome Ford recorded one reception for negative three yards.
These contributions demonstrate how widely Cleveland distributed its passing opportunities.
Top Receiving Performances
| Player | Team | Receiving Yards | Receptions |
| Jerry Jeudy | Browns | 66 | 5 |
| Dylan Sampson | Browns | 64 | 8 |
| Harold Fannin Jr. | Browns | 63 | 7 |
| Cedric Tillman | Browns | 52 | 5 |
| David Njoku | Browns | 37 | 3 |
| Tee Higgins | Bengals | 33 | 3 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | Bengals | 26 | 2 |
| Noah Fant | Bengals | 26 | 4 |
Cleveland’s receiving group clearly produced more total yardage.
The Browns had four players with at least 50 receiving yards, while Cincinnati’s leading receiver finished with 33.
Nevertheless, the Bengals found a way to win despite the substantial difference in receiving production.
Defensive Player Statistics: The Difference Between Winning and Losing
Defense played a decisive role in this contest.
Cleveland generated three sacks and recorded seven quarterback hits. Cincinnati registered two sacks but made two interceptions.
Those interceptions were particularly important because they prevented Cleveland from maintaining possession during important offensive sequences.
Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Statistics
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks | Passes Defended |
| Jordan Battle | 12 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Demetrius Knight Jr. | 10 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| Dax Hill | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Logan Wilson | 7 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| B.J. Hill | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Geno Stone | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Barrett Carter | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Tycen Anderson | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Mike Pennel | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Trey Hendrickson | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Josh Newton | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| T.J. Slaton Jr. | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Kris Jenkins Jr. | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Oren Burks | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Myles Murphy | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Other Bengals defenders also contributed tackles during the contest.
Team defensive totals included:
| Defensive Category | Bengals |
| Total Tackles | 86 |
| Solo Tackles | 44 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | 4 |
| Passes Defended | 6 |
| Quarterback Hits | 5 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
Jordan Battle’s Defensive Performance
Jordan Battle led Cincinnati with 12 total tackles.
He recorded five solo tackles and defended one pass.
He also intercepted a pass from Flacco and returned it for two yards.
Battle’s contribution was important because he combined consistent tackling with a turnover-producing play.
His 12 tackles were the highest individual defensive tackle total among the listed players.
Demetrius Knight Jr.
Demetrius Knight Jr. finished with 10 total tackles and eight solo tackles.
His eight solo tackles were especially notable.
He also recorded one pass defended, demonstrating his involvement in both tackling and coverage situations.
Dax Hill
Dax Hill recorded nine total tackles and five solo tackles.
His contribution helped Cincinnati maintain defensive activity throughout the game.
Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson recorded three tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits.
His ability to pressure Flacco was important in limiting the Browns’ offensive comfort.
He consistently contributed to Cincinnati’s defensive front, even though the Bengals finished with fewer sacks than Cleveland.
B.J. Hill
B.J. Hill recorded seven total tackles and one sack.
He also contributed one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit.
His performance helped Cincinnati create pressure without relying exclusively on its edge defenders.
Cleveland Browns Defensive Statistics
Cleveland’s defense also delivered a strong performance, particularly in generating pressure.
The Browns recorded three sacks and seven quarterback hits.
Myles Garrett was one of the most influential defensive players in the matchup.
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks | Tackles for Loss |
| Carson Schwesinger | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Devin Bush | 7 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Isaiah McGuire | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Myles Garrett | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Ronnie Hickman | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Grant Delpit | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Greg Newsome II | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Myles Harden | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Mohamoud Diabate | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Mason Graham | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Denzel Ward | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other Cleveland defenders also registered tackles during the contest.
The Browns’ team defensive totals were:
| Defensive Category | Browns |
| Total Tackles | 57 |
| Solo Tackles | 35 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 8 |
| Passes Defended | 5 |
| Quarterback Hits | 7 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Myles Garrett’s Impact
Myles Garrett delivered one of Cleveland’s strongest individual defensive performances.
He recorded:
- Five total tackles.
- Five solo tackles.
- Two sacks.
- Four tackles for loss.
- Three quarterback hits.
His two sacks accounted for a substantial portion of Cleveland’s defensive pressure.
Garrett consistently created problems for Cincinnati’s offensive line.
However, the Browns could not turn their defensive pressure into an interception.
This distinction is important because sacks and turnovers influence games differently. Sacks can disrupt an offensive series, while interceptions immediately transfer possession to the opposing team.
Isaiah McGuire
Isaiah McGuire finished with six tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
His performance supported Garrett’s pressure from the defensive front.
McGuire’s ability to create disruption made him another important part of Cleveland’s defensive effort.
Carson Schwesinger
Carson Schwesinger led the Browns with eight total tackles.
He also recorded one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit.
His contribution was especially relevant in Cleveland’s efforts to limit Cincinnati’s rushing production.
Devin Bush
Devin Bush finished with seven total tackles, four solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass defended, and one quarterback hit.
His involvement across several defensive categories demonstrated his versatility.
Defensive Comparison
| Category | Bengals | Browns |
| Total Tackles | 86 | 57 |
| Solo Tackles | 44 | 35 |
| Sacks | 2 | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 4 | 8 |
| Passes Defended | 6 | 5 |
| QB Hits | 5 | 7 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
Cleveland generated more sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits.
Cincinnati, however, recorded two interceptions.
The Bengals’ ability to take the football away was one of the clearest statistical differences between the defenses.
Interceptions and Turnover Analysis
Turnovers were among the most important factors in the final result.
Cincinnati recorded two interceptions, while Cleveland did not intercept a pass.
The two Bengals interceptions came from DJ Turner II and Jordan Battle.
Cincinnati’s Interception Leaders
| Player | Interceptions | Return Yards | Defensive Touchdowns |
| DJ Turner II | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Jordan Battle | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Team Total | 2 | 9 | 0 |
DJ Turner II recorded one interception and returned it for seven yards.
Jordan Battle also intercepted Flacco, returning the ball for two yards.
Neither player scored a defensive touchdown.
Even without a defensive score, these plays were valuable because they stopped Cleveland’s passing possessions and gave Cincinnati additional opportunities to control the game.
Why the Turnovers Mattered
Cleveland finished with more passing yards, more receptions, and a higher completion percentage.
However, those advantages did not translate into victory.
The two interceptions created a major disadvantage for the Browns.
Turnovers are especially damaging when an offense depends on passing volume to generate yardage. A quarterback may complete many passes, but a small number of mistakes can reduce the value of that production.
Cincinnati avoided this problem.
Burrow finished without an interception, allowing the Bengals to maintain a cleaner passing performance in terms of ball security.
Special Teams Performance
Special teams were another important part of the overall statistical picture.
Both teams received useful contributions from their returners and punters.
The kicking numbers also reveal opportunities that influenced the scoring difference.
Kick Return Statistics
| Player | Team | Returns | Return Yards | Average | Longest |
| Charlie Jones | Bengals | 3 | 70 | 23.3 | 29 |
| DeAndre Carter | Browns | 4 | 105 | 26.3 | 29 |
DeAndre Carter led the game in kick return yardage.
He recorded four returns for 105 yards, averaging 26.3 yards per return.
Charlie Jones finished with 70 yards on three returns, averaging 23.3 yards.
Neither player returned a kick for a touchdown.
Punt Return Statistics
| Player | Team | Returns | Return Yards | Average | Longest |
| Charlie Jones | Bengals | 1 | 23 | 23.0 | 23 |
| DeAndre Carter | Browns | 3 | 41 | 13.7 | 15 |
Jones produced a 23-yard punt return on his only attempt.
Carter recorded 41 yards on three returns.
Although Carter had more total return yardage, Jones produced the higher average.
Kicking Statistics
| Statistic | Evan McPherson | Andre Szmyt |
| Team | Bengals | Browns |
| Field Goals | 1/1 | 1/2 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 100% | 50% |
| Longest Field Goal | 35 yards | 45 yards |
| Extra Points | 2/2 | 1/2 |
| Total Points | 5 | 4 |
Evan McPherson converted his only field-goal attempt and both extra-point attempts.
He finished with five points.
Andre Szmyt made one of two field-goal attempts and one of two extra-point attempts.
He finished with four points.
The difference in kicking accuracy is an important detail when analyzing a game decided by one point.
However, the supplied statistics do not identify the exact circumstances of each missed attempt. It would therefore be inaccurate to attribute the entire result to a specific kick without additional play-by-play evidence.
Punting Statistics
| Statistic | Ryan Rehkow | Corey Bojorquez |
| Team | Bengals | Browns |
| Punts | 6 | 2 |
| Total Punt Yards | 316 | 97 |
| Average | 52.7 | 48.5 |
| Longest Punt | 62 | 55 |
| Touchbacks | 2 | 1 |
| Inside 20 | 1 | 0 |
Ryan Rehkow punted six times for 316 yards.
His average of 52.7 yards per punt was higher than Bojorquez’s 48.5-yard average.
Corey Bojorquez recorded two punts for 97 yards.
The difference in punt volume suggests that Cincinnati relied more frequently on its punting unit during the game.
Rehkow’s longest punt covered 62 yards, giving Cincinnati an additional way to influence field position.
Team Statistics Comparison
The overall team comparison highlights the contrasting strengths of the two offenses and defenses.
| Category | Bengals | Browns |
| Final Score | 17 | 16 |
| Passing Completions | 14 | 31 |
| Passing Attempts | 23 | 45 |
| Passing Yards | 113 | 290 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 2 |
| Rushing Attempts | 23 | 24 |
| Rushing Yards | 46 | 49 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Receiving Yards | 113 | 290 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Defensive Sacks | 2 | 3 |
| Interceptions Recorded | 2 | 0 |
| Fumbles | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 0 |
| Field Goals Made | 1 | 1 |
The Browns held the advantage in passing production.
They also generated more sacks and quarterback hits.
Cincinnati’s biggest statistical advantage came from turnovers.
The Bengals recorded two interceptions without throwing one themselves.
This difference provides a strong explanation for why the team with substantially fewer passing yards still secured the victory.
Five Major Factors Behind Cincinnati’s Victory
Several factors help explain how Cincinnati defeated Cleveland despite producing less offensive yardage.
1. Cincinnati Protected the Football Better
The clearest difference between the teams was interception production.
Burrow threw zero interceptions, while Flacco threw two.
This allowed Cincinnati to avoid two major possession losses.
In a one-point game, limiting mistakes becomes especially important.
2. The Bengals Converted Important Offensive Opportunities
Cincinnati scored 17 points despite recording only 113 passing yards.
The team combined one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown, and one successful field goal.
Its scoring distribution provided enough production to finish ahead of Cleveland.
3. Cleveland’s Passing Yardage Did Not Produce Enough Points
Flacco threw for 290 yards.
The Browns also received productive performances from Jeudy, Sampson, Fannin, and Tillman.
However, Cleveland finished with only 16 points.
The difference between yardage and scoring efficiency was an important part of the result.
4. Cleveland Generated Pressure but Could Not Force a Turnover
Myles Garrett recorded two sacks, while Isaiah McGuire added another.
The Browns also recorded seven quarterback hits.
Their pass rush created problems for Burrow, but Cleveland did not intercept a pass.
That absence of defensive takeaways was significant.
5. Special Teams Production Was Important
McPherson converted all three of his combined field-goal and extra-point attempts.
Szmyt converted two of his four combined attempts.
The difference in successful kicking opportunities contributed to the narrow final margin.
What the Match Statistics Reveal About Both Teams
Beyond the final score, the numbers reveal several lessons about the performances of Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Cincinnati Bengals: Strengths and Areas to Improve
The Bengals demonstrated that an offense does not always need impressive passing numbers to win.
Their most important strengths included:
- Zero interceptions thrown.
- Two defensive interceptions.
- A rushing touchdown from Chase Brown.
- A passing touchdown from Noah Fant.
- Productive tackling from Jordan Battle and Demetrius Knight Jr.
- Reliable kicking from Evan McPherson.
However, Cincinnati also had areas that required improvement.
Burrow was sacked three times, and the rushing offense averaged only 2.0 yards per carry.
The receiving group also produced limited yardage.
These numbers suggest that Cincinnati’s offense had opportunities to become more consistent.
Cleveland Browns: Strengths and Areas to Improve
Cleveland demonstrated its ability to distribute the football effectively.
The Browns produced:
- 290 passing yards.
- 31 completions.
- Four receivers with at least 50 yards.
- Three defensive sacks.
- Eight tackles for loss.
- Seven quarterback hits.
- 105 kick return yards from DeAndre Carter.
These figures show that Cleveland had several productive individual performances.
However, the two interceptions were costly.
The Browns also struggled to establish their running game, averaging only 2.0 yards per carry.
Their kicking performance included one missed field goal and one missed extra point in the supplied statistics.
Reducing turnovers and improving scoring efficiency would have been important priorities following this performance.
Statistical Leaders From the Game
The following table brings together the most notable individual performances.
| Category | Player | Team | Performance |
| Passing Yards | Joe Flacco | Browns | 290 |
| Passing Touchdowns | Joe Burrow / Joe Flacco | Both | 1 each |
| Fewest Interceptions | Joe Burrow | Bengals | 0 |
| Rushing Yards | Chase Brown | Bengals | 43 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | Chase Brown / Raheim Sanders | Both | 1 each |
| Receiving Yards | Jerry Jeudy | Browns | 66 |
| Receptions | Dylan Sampson | Browns | 8 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | Noah Fant / Cedric Tillman | Both | 1 each |
| Total Tackles | Jordan Battle | Bengals | 12 |
| Defensive Sacks | Myles Garrett | Browns | 2 |
| Interceptions | DJ Turner II / Jordan Battle | Bengals | 1 each |
| Kick Return Yards | DeAndre Carter | Browns | 105 |
| Punt Return Yards | DeAndre Carter | Browns | 41 |
| Kicking Points | Evan McPherson | Bengals | 5 |
These performances demonstrate that the matchup featured contributions from several players rather than depending on one individual.
How to Analyze NFL Match Player Statistics Correctly
Looking at a box score is useful, but understanding the relationship between different statistics provides a much clearer picture of a game.
This matchup is an excellent example of why individual numbers should be considered together.
Passing Yards Versus Passing Efficiency
Passing yards show how much production a quarterback generated through the air.
However, they do not explain whether that production translated into points or whether the quarterback protected possession.
Flacco recorded 290 yards, while Burrow recorded 113.
Yet Burrow finished with the higher passer rating and avoided interceptions.
Both figures provide useful information, but neither should be evaluated in isolation.
Rushing Attempts Versus Rushing Effectiveness
A player can receive many carries without producing significant yardage.
Chase Brown recorded 21 rushing attempts but averaged only 2.0 yards per carry.
His touchdown still made his performance valuable.
For a complete evaluation, readers should examine carries, yards per attempt, touchdowns, and the situations in which a running back received opportunities.
Receiving Volume Versus Receiving Production
Targets, receptions, and receiving yards provide different information.
For example, Harold Fannin Jr. received nine targets and recorded seven catches for 63 yards.
Jerry Jeudy received eight targets and recorded five catches for 66 yards.
Jeudy produced more yardage, while Fannin recorded more receptions.
Both performances were productive, but their statistical profiles were different.
Defensive Pressure Versus Turnovers
Sacks and quarterback hits measure defensive pressure.
Interceptions measure successful defensive takeaways.
Cleveland generated more sacks and quarterback hits, but Cincinnati recorded both interceptions.
That distinction helps explain why the Bengals won despite losing the defensive sack comparison.
Why the Final Score Matters
The final score is the ultimate result of an NFL game.
Individual statistics explain how the result developed, but they do not replace it.
Cincinnati finished with 17 points, while Cleveland finished with 16.
The Bengals’ ability to produce enough points while limiting turnovers was more important than winning every statistical category.
Historical Importance of the AFC North Matchup
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals share an AFC North rivalry that regularly creates competitive divisional contests.
Games between these teams matter beyond a single result because divisional victories can influence standings and postseason opportunities.
A win against a divisional opponent also gives a team an important advantage in its head-to-head record.
The September 7, 2025 matchup was particularly interesting because it opened the regular season with a narrow result.
Cincinnati improved to 1-0, while Cleveland fell to 0-1.
Although one game does not determine the direction of an entire season, early divisional victories can provide valuable momentum.
The result also illustrated the importance of maintaining discipline in closely contested NFL games.
Cleveland had several productive offensive performers, but Cincinnati found a way to turn defensive opportunities into a winning result.
Data Accuracy and Statistical Notes
The statistics in this article are based on the ESPN game data supplied for the September 7, 2025 contest.
Several distinctions are important when interpreting the numbers.
First, the passing and receiving yardage totals are presented as supplied. The team passing totals and team receiving totals match within the provided data.
Second, individual statistics should not automatically be treated as a complete explanation of every scoring possession. The supplied box-score information does not include the full play-by-play sequence.
Third, the rushing totals include individual contributions from quarterbacks and other offensive players. The listed team totals are preserved as supplied.
Finally, the defensive tackle totals are presented according to the supplied ESPN figures. Individual defensive statistics should be distinguished from team totals because they measure different aspects of performance.
For the original box score, readers can consult the ESPN Bengals vs Browns game statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals game on September 7, 2025?
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 17-16 on September 7, 2025. Cincinnati secured the victory by one point in the season opener.
2. How many passing yards did Joe Burrow record against the Browns?
Joe Burrow completed 14 of 23 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. He threw zero interceptions and finished with an 87.8 passer rating.
3. How many passing yards did Joe Flacco record against the Bengals?
Joe Flacco completed 31 of 45 passes for 290 yards and one touchdown. He also threw two interceptions and finished with a 75.2 passer rating.
4. Who was the leading receiver in the Browns vs Bengals matchup?
Jerry Jeudy led all listed players with 66 receiving yards. He recorded five receptions on eight targets, with his longest catch covering 25 yards.
5. Which player recorded the most tackles in the game?
Jordan Battle of the Cincinnati Bengals led all listed defenders with 12 total tackles. He also recorded five solo tackles, one pass defended, and one interception.
6. How many interceptions did the Bengals record against the Browns?
The Bengals recorded two interceptions. DJ Turner II and Jordan Battle each intercepted one pass from Joe Flacco.
Conclusion
The September 7, 2025 meeting between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals was a closely contested AFC North game that ended with a 17-16 Cincinnati victory. The cleveland browns vs bengals match player stats reveal an interesting contrast between offensive production and game management.
Joe Flacco led the passing statistics with 290 yards, while Joe Burrow finished with 113 yards and one touchdown. Jerry Jeudy was Cleveland’s leading receiver with 66 yards, and Chase Brown led Cincinnati’s rushing attack with 43 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Jordan Battle recorded 12 tackles and an interception, while Myles Garrett delivered two sacks for Cleveland.
The Browns generated more passing yards, sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits. However, Cincinnati recorded two interceptions without throwing one itself. The Bengals also benefited from successful kicking contributions and enough offensive production to maintain their narrow advantage.
Ultimately, the matchup demonstrated that winning an NFL game requires more than accumulating impressive individual statistics. Ball security, defensive takeaways, scoring opportunities, and execution across all three phases can determine the outcome of even the closest contests.
