Joe Burrow Relieved to Win After Bengals 'Steal' Game in Cleveland
Joe Burrow is taking Sunday's win and running with it after Cincinnati had some close-game luck go their way for the first time in a while. The Bengals took out the Browns 17-16 thanks to some great interceptions by the defense and a few missed kicks from Browns rookie kicker Andre Szmyt.
Burrow didn't wow with 113 yards and one touchdown in the game, but it was enough for a win as Cincinnati got its second-ever opening week victory under head Coach Zac Taylor.
"Anytime you can win like this, you kind of steal one. So we stole one today, and we're gonna have to be better," Burrow said to the media postgame. "We didn't win many of these games last year and so usually when you can win a game like this that's a recipe for success."
He noted he'll have to watch the tape to get a better evaluation of his issues from a solid first half to a shaky second half. All in all, though, Cincinnati banded together for a team win and got some luck to kick their way after going 1-4 in one-score games last season.
Taylor said the win is all that matters in Week 1, as things to figure look wildly different later in the season.
"I thought we had a great training camp. I thought our guys came out of it in shape and healthy, and it allows you to finish games like this on defense," Taylor declared.
Cincinnati won the turnover battle 2-0, as it wasn't all luck that ended up winning the game. After an offseason of criticism, Cincinnati's defense stepped up with some big plays and held its first opponent under 20 points.
"Thankful to have gotten their number the last couple of times," Taylor said about beating the in-state rival. "Week 1 is always a challenge. You're always going to get the other team's best. You're always going to the healthiest version of them. They got the healthiest version of us, and you're going to get their best right out the gate. And so you just got to find a way to win."
Cincinnati now prepares for Jacksonville, which easily beat the Carolina Panthers this week to start 1-0 as well.
Tyreek Hill Set to Reunite with Chiefs After Miami Struggles and Injury Drama
Is Tyreek Hill unhappy in Miami?
He was at one point and now was visibly frustrated in the Dolphins blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
At the same time, his former home, where he won a Super Bowl, has lost three receivers to injuries or suspensions, and could be open to a reunion with the 31-year-old.
Speculation abounds on Tyreek Hill-Chiefs Reunion
The Kansas City Chiefs bringing Hill back into the fold has NFL writers, hosts, and insiders speculating.
“If Miami keeps losing, the Tyreek Hill/Chiefs rumors will get louder every week,” said podcast host Steve Palazzolo on X.
“Office pool idea: On which day between now and the deadline will Tyreek Hill be traded back to the Chiefs?” wrote the ProFootballTalk account, run by insider Mike Florio.
“Difficult to watch this Dolphins game and not wonder about Tyreek Hill given Friday night’s injury to Xavier Worthy,” wrote Pete Sweeney with The Kansas City Star. on X.
The Kansas City Chiefs Have Three Receivers Out
In some ways, it does make sense.
The Chiefs are without Rashee Rice the first six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Rice, 25, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Dallas in March 2024 and fled the scene of the six-car pileup. He later accepted a plea deal that includes five years of probation and 30 days in jail, according to the Kansas City Star.
Fourth-round pick Jalen Royals was listed as inactive for Week 1 with a knee injury, while Worthy injured his shoulder in Friday night’s game when he collided with star tight end Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs have five other receivers on the roster: Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio and Jason Brownlee.
Brown, who was coming off a foot-ankle injury, performed well in the opener. He had 10 catches for 99 yards and was targeted 16 times.
Smith-Schuster had five catches for 55 yards, while Kelce grabbed two receptions for 47 yards and touchdown. Lastly, Thornton had two catches for 41 yards.
Chiefs could stand pat if they continue to get production from the current roster. There’s been no indication that either injured receiver suffered a long-term injury.
Tyreek Hill Visibly Frustrated on Sideline
Hill’s top two total receiving yards seasons came during his first two seasons in Miami, but he put up impressive seasons in Kansas City, too, and was a scoring machine.
In Week 18 last season, Hill removed himself from the Dolphins’ lineup and suggested he was ready to move on, saying he didn’t view Miami as a legitimate contender.
“This is the first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill told reporters in January. “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m gonna open that door for myself. I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro.”
But headed into the season, Hill said he was content with his situation in Miami. He had a team-high 40 receiving yards with four catches on Sunday.
He did let his frustration boil over on the sideline.
Sideline frustration is natural in the middle of a blowout, but Hill’s visible reactions to the Dolphins’ struggles will draw extra scrutiny—particularly if the team doesn’t turn things around soon.
The Dolphins move to 0-1 and host the New England Patriots (0-1) next Sunday.
