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Final: Browns Lose Season Opener to Cincinnati Bengals 27-17

Bruce Gradkowski threw a touchdown pass to A.J. Green to give the Bengals a 17-13 lead, and on third down with about a minute and a half to go, Cedric Benson took a hand-off 39 yards for a touchdown putting the final nail in Cleveland’s coffin.

The Browns’ defense had two huge errors at the end of an otherwise well-played game, and the Bengals were there to take advantage. Cleveland was pretty much a unanimous favorite to win this game, but games are obviously not won on paper.

A huge reason for the Browns losing this game was the inability of Cleveland to get anything going with running back Peyton Hillis. All of his yards were forced, and Cincinnati was well-prepared for one of the hardest runners in the NFL.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.