CINCINNATI -- Observed and heard in the locker room after the Cleveland Browns' 24-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Playing like Dawgs: The Browns savored this moment. Fifth-year Brown Joe Haden called the divisional win the most important since he’s been here. The tone-setting defense knew they had Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton figured out from the opening drive. Cleveland was playing defense like it was the '80s, winning its first divisional road game in 18 tries. “We’ve got a team full of dogs,” cornerback Buster Skrine said. “Relentless, passionate, accountable.”
Hoyer had enough arm: On a day Dalton registered a disastrous 2.0 rating, Brian Hoyer's game wasn’t affected by the 30-mile winds. He finished 15-of-23 for 198 yards, picking his spots and letting the running game (170 yards and three touchdowns on 52 carries) do the rest. Coach Mike Pettine didn’t see many passes flutter. “I think people underestimate his arm a little bit," Pettine said. "It’s a tight spiral and he can throw it.” As for going 6-3 for his hometown team, Hoyer said, “It’s so cool. At one point long down the road I’ll appreciate it a lot more.”
Haden strikes again: After a slow start to the season (for his standards), Haden has resurfaced the last five weeks. A.J. Green finished with just23 yards on three catches against him. In Haden’s last three games against the Bengals, Green has 12 catches for 81 yards. “If coaches want to put me on A.J., I have to limit him for us to have a chance to be successful,” Haden said.
