The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t lead the Cleveland Browns until the final minute of the game, but it was all the time they needed for the win.
Bengals kicker Mike Nugent connected on a go-ahead 26-yard field goal to make the score 23-20 in the final minute of the game. Nugent’s field goal opportunity was set up largely thanks to a 51-yard reception by rookie wide receiver A.J. Green n third down with less than a minute remaining.
Browns kicker Phil Dawson missed a 55-yard field goal on the previous drive. Ryan Pontbriand, the team’s Pro Bowl long snapper, skimmed the ground with the snap throwing off Dawson’s timing and the kick sailed wide left.
The Browns led much of the game but couldn’t execute at key moments in the second half. Rookie wide receiver Greg Little had several drops on the game, returning running back Peyton Hillis failed to break any big runs and a fourth quarter interception by quarterback Colt McCoy proved costly.
The loss drops the Browns to 4-7 on the season and the Bengals improved to 7-4.