CINCINNATI -- No Josh Gordon. No Jordan Cameron. No Alex Mack. No Andrew Hawkins.
No problem for the Cleveland Browns, who thumped the Cincinnati Bengals 24-3 in as complete a game as the Browns have played in some time.
The result: The Browns are 6-3, tied with the Steelers for first place in the AFC North. They have their best record after nine games since 1994 -- which was before the move.
They have won five of six and are legitimately in the division race. They also are one game from their seventh win, meaning they are one win from ending a streak of follies that has included six double-digit-loss seasons in a row.
"This is definitely rare air, man," cornerback Joe Haden said. "But I think this team and this coaching staff and the players we have, they're ready for it."
They showed the readiness by bringing a mature approach to a Thursday night game. A year ago, the Browns gave up 31 points to the Bengals in one quarter in a supposed big game. This time, they forced an early fumble, took an early lead and never looked back as the defense turned Andy Dalton into a perplexed mess.
"Bright lights just give us an opportunity to shine," said linebacker Karlos Dansby, one of the veterans charged with helping change a losing culture.
The Browns dominated what defensive end Phil Taylor called "a statement game," the three points the fewest they've given up in a game in three years.
If Taylor is to be taken at his word, the most important statement the Browns made was to themselves. Coach Mike Pettine called it "a huge confidence boost" and mentioned the streaks the Browns ended (they had lost 17 AFC North road games in a row, and the Bengals had been unbeaten in 14 home games in a row).
Dansby shrugged off the "statement" issue, though, saying, "We didn't make no statement; we got a lot of football yet to play."
So, too, did Brian Hoyer, who tried to keep the calm, even-keeled, on-to-the-next one demeanor he's carried all season. Hoyer’s steady play contributed to the win. Unlike the previous three weeks, over which his numbers seemed better than the way he played, Hoyer's numbers were not glittering, but his play was very good -- especially considering the conditions.
The flag at the top of the north end zone in Paul Brown Stadium was horizontal all night -- kept that way by swift wind that blew several of Dalton's throws to the sidelines (and beyond).
Hoyer never seemed bothered. After the Browns pounded the ball on the ground for their first touchdown, Hoyer had big throws on each of the next three scoring drives.
On the second touchdown drive, he hit Travis Benjamin with the wind for 17 yards, then found Benjamin for 22 into the wind. He found Gary Barnidge for 18 yards on a drive that ended with a field goal. On the last touchdown drive, Hoyer found Barnidge for 28 yards on a play on which Barnidge made a great catch between two defenders at the Bengals' 3-yard line, one of only seven passes Hoyer attempted in the second half while the Browns ran the clock and the ball (170 rushing yards for the game).
While Dalton's passes were flying like hot dog wrappers, Hoyer's cut through the breeze.
"I think people underestimate his arm a little bit," Pettine said. "It's a tight spiral, and he can throw it."
"I'm more worried about rain," Hoyer said. "Wind doesn't even really enter my mind unless it's 60 mile per hour gust. … When you throw a spiral, that ball is meant to cut through the wind."
Yes, he was well aware who was not playing for his team, too.
"I mean," he said, "three Pro Bowl players, plus our top wide receiver. You've just got to find a way to get it done."
The Browns are making an art form of finding a way. List the group of receivers who played and most would cackle at the team's chances. They had zero drops. Look at the way the Browns played on the road in the division in past years, and write them off. Consider the defense being questioned early in the season, then giving up three points.
What's it all mean?
"That we're not the old Cleveland Browns," safety Donte Whitner said.
For the first time in a long time, a Browns player might be right when he makes that statement.
