Halftime Observations: Joe Burrow and Offense Struggling, Bengals Trail Browns 10-0

Cincinnati is hoping to win their first game in Cleveland since 2017.

CLEVELAND — The Bengals trail the Browns 10-0 at halftime. Joe Burrow and the offense has struggled throughout the game. 

The defense has played well, forcing four punts and one turnover. They also gave up a 13-yard touchdown run to Deshaun Watson with just 17 seconds left in the half. 

Here are our halftime observations:

Slow Start 

The Bengals' offense punted on their first seven possessions to start the game. It's the first time they've ever done that in the Burrow-era according to ESPN Stats & Info. 

This is the first time under Joe Burrow that the Bengals have punted on 5 straight possessions to open a game (via @ESPNStatsInfo)

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 10, 2023

Questionable Decision

Zac Taylor opted to punt on 4th-and-3 from the Browns 38-yard line. Brad Robbins' punt was a touchback, which gave Cleveland the ball at the 20-yard line, making it a net-gain of just 18 yards. 

Glove in the Rain

Both quarterbacks are struggling to throw accurately in the rain. Burrow wore a glove on his throwing hand at the end of the first half. We'll see if he sticks with the glove in the second half. 

He completed 6-of-14 passes for 36 yards in the first half. 

Sloppy Offense

The Bengals have just 97 yards of offense. They're 1-of-8 on third down and haven't had a conversion since their first possession. 

Cincinnati has also been called for multiple penalties on offense, including an illegal formation and a delay of game. 

The Bengals Will Win If...

They have to find a way to get going on offense. They've struggled to maintain possession and put together any type of sustained drive. 

Mixon flashed late in the half, but the weather and the Browns defense has kept Burrow and the Bengals in check. 

The defense has held up their end of the bargain, but the offense has to be much better if they're going to escape Cleveland with a win. 

The Browns get the ball to start the second half. Forcing a punt and scoring points on their first offensive possession will be crucial to their chances of making a comeback. 

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