The Battle of Ohio between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns always generates some major reactions.
It’s not just that it’s an in-state rivalry, either. Despite the Bengals surging to Super Bowl contenders in recent years, the Browns have still had their number in a big way.
But that changed on Sunday despite Deshaun Watson making his Battle of Ohio debut, as the Cincinnati defense put up a big performance and the Joe Burrow-led offense gritted out a win.
Cincinnati ended up getting right in the rivalry, 23-10.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable reactions from right after the game went final.
While a lot of "good" teams were getting exposed today, Bengals took care of business against the Browns. Just another impressive, steady performance by a contender.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) December 11, 2022
FINAL: Bengals 23, Browns 10.
Without Boyd, Higgins and Hurst, the Bengals offense was sluggish on a weird day, but found a way.
The defense — with Reader and Wilson at the forefront — showed off how well-rounded the #Bengals are right now.
Five in a row, 9-4.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 11, 2022
The evolution of Zac Taylor the play caller is the biggest comeback story since David beat Goliath.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) December 11, 2022
No Tyler Boyd.
No Tee Higgins.
No Hayden Hurst.No problem. Adios Cleveland‼️😘 #RULETHEJUNGLE pic.twitter.com/3WQ3CTXE33
— Jack 💥 (@Cincinneumeyer) December 11, 2022
The Bengals finally beat the Browns in the Burrow Era. Another step forward.
— Jeff Wallner (@JeffWallner) December 11, 2022
Bengals dust off the Browns and improve to 9-4.
Meanwhile, the Browns are practically eliminated from playoff contention. Double win.
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) December 11, 2022
No Tyler Boyd.
No Tee Higgins.
No Hayden Hurst.No problem. Five straight wins.
WHO DEY!!!!
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) December 11, 2022
BREAKING: JOE BURROW HAS BEATEN THE BROWNS pic.twitter.com/KScnTcti9I
— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) December 11, 2022
WHO ISNT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS ???
SUPER BOWL SLUMP ???
WHERE ???? 😂😂😂😂
— EA (@KOLD740) December 11, 2022
It came without Higgins.
It came without Boyd.
It came without Hurst.Maybe this #Bengals win means a little bit more.
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) December 11, 2022
#Bengals winning streak has reached five games. It's their longest regular season winning streak during a single season since their eight-game winning streak opening the 2015 season.
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 11, 2022
Bengals walk in winners for fifth straight week pic.twitter.com/myUyHQyge6
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 11, 2022
Being 9-4 after starting 0-2 on the season is a FEAT for any NFL team.
Bengals are such a fun team.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) December 11, 2022
The Bengals continue to show they are not a one-trick pony.
Cincinnati beat a team they've struggled against without Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Joe Burrow continues to play at an elite level, as does Ja'Marr Chase.
Bengals defense held Nick Chubb to 34 rushing yards.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) December 11, 2022
Bengals are 9-2 since their season was over.
— Jeff Wallner (@JeffWallner) December 11, 2022
Joe Mixon had a really nice game in his return today after a rough couple of carries early.
Saw some vintage Mixon runs, too, which was great to see.
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) December 11, 2022
We used to spell doom and point to history after 0-2 starts. Bengals started that way this year.
They're 9-4 now.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) December 11, 2022
