The Cleveland Browns' disastrous 2024 season continued in Week 16, as they suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals, losing 24-6 on the road at Paycor Stadium. This loss marks another nadir for the team, which has struggled throughout the season, leaving fans with far more questions than answers.
This game held some intrigue, particularly with the starting quarterback change as Dorian Thompson-Robinson made his first start of the season. Many hoped he could provide a spark for the struggling offense, but unfortunately, it quickly became clear this was not to be. Thompson-Robinson ended the contest with just 157 passing yards, completing 20 of his 34 attempts, and was the architect of two costly interceptions.
Forced to leave the game briefly due to a calf injury, Thompson-Robinson’s struggles allowed backup QB Bailey Zappe to debut for the Browns. Zappe's time was limited, but it did give head coach Kevin Stefanski something to discuss postgame. Despite the dismal showing from Thompson-Robinson, Stefanski confirmed he would remain the starter for the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, provided he was healthy. This decision suggests the team's commitment to their young quarterback, even after such grim performance.
“I can't cuss, but there's a word I want to say,” Thompson-Robinson reflected postgame on his performance. “It wasn't a good day. Good moments don't win football games.” He recognized his own faults, admitting, “At the end of the day, we lost this game off of turnovers and I’ve got to do abetter job.” The quarterback poignantly acknowledged the game's impact on his future, stating, “A QB is there to play a complete, full game and to lead his team to victory, and I did not do so today.”
While Thompson-Robinson's struggles were evident, the entire Browns' offense failed to shine. The unit managed only 273 total yards, converted just three of twelve third down attempts, and faced constant pressure, resulting in five sacks against them.
On the other side of the field, the Bengals showcased their strengths and maintained dominance throughout. Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for three touchdowns, exceeding 250 yards for the seventh consecutive game, marking him as the first quarterback to achieve this distinction. His final touchdown was particularly impactful, occurring with just 1:44 left on the clock, connecting with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on a 32-yard play after Myles Garrett jumped offsides.
Ja'Marr Chase had himself quite the day too, needing only 43 yards to surpass his own franchise record for receiving yards in a season. He ended the game with 97 yards, bringing his season total to 1,510 yards, making him the first Bengal to hit the 1,500-yard mark and one of only 57 players to ever achieve this milestone.
Adding to their accomplishments, the Bengals’ Cade York made headlines by drilling a 59-yard field goal to end the first half, tying the franchise record for the longest field goal made. The kick came at the right moment, extending Cincinnati's lead to 17-0 before the break.
Defensively, the Bengals were relentless. On the opening drive, veteran safety Vonn Bell prevented Cleveland from scoring by forcing and recovering a fumble from the Browns at Cincinnati's one-yard line. Following Bell’s turnover, the Bengals' offense capitalized with a swift 99-yard touchdown drive, culminating with Burrow connecting with Tee Higgins.
While Thompson-Robinson grappled with inconsistencies, he now finds himself under significant scrutiny. His performance metrics paint the picture of his struggles: one passing touchdown to nine interceptions across his 13 NFL appearances isn’t the type of ratio needed for success. With the pressure mounting and the 2024 season drawing to a close, the Browns are acutely aware of their need to reassess their quarterback options heading toward the offseason.
The ramifications of this game stretch beyond mere statistics. The Browns' inability to establish offensive efficiency coupled with their defensive letdowns signals urgent changes needed for the organization's future. Thompson-Robinson's future hangs delicately, leaving both the quarterback and franchise at crossroads.
For many fans, another disappointing outing against the Bengals feels like the end of hope for 2024. Cleveland's aspirations for the playoffs have dwindled this season, now turning to the last two games to keep momentum alive for 2025. The final stretch will be pivotal for Thompson-Robinson, who must show he can adapt and improve or risk being the latest victim of Cleveland's long-standing quarterback quandary.
