CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson accounted for two touchdowns and the Cleveland defense shut down Joe Burrow as the Browns stunned the Cincinnati Bengals with a 24-3 win on Sunday afternoon.
For Cleveland, it was the first time they had won an opener at home since 2004.
And for Burrow, it was a nightmarish game, as Cleveland's revamped defensive line harassed him all day and was held to 14 of 31 passing and a career-worst 82 yards.
Just two days ago, Burrow just signed a 5-year, $275 million extension to become the NFL's highest-paid player.
After the game, Ja'Maar Chase doubled down on his comments he had made earlier in the week where he called Cleveland elves.
“I’m mad because I called their (butts) elves, and we just lost to some elves,” Chase said. “I’m pissed on my part. (Expletive), I’m holding it on me.”
Chase was bottled up to just five catches for 39 yards.
Watson — who missed 11 games last season for violating the league's personal conduct policy — made a statement in his first opening day start for Cleveland, by bolting for a 13-yard score late in the first half and give the Browns a 10-0 lead at the half.
He would add a 3-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter to his tight end Harrison Bryant. Watson celebrated by skipping down the field in front of Cincinnati's sideline before converting the 2-point try with a run up the middle.
Watson's rushing score came on a perfectly executed draw play, that capped off what was mostly a sloppy first half in which the teams combined to punt 11 times
When Myles Garrett sacked Burrow on fourth down with 10:27 left, it had all but sealed the Browns' stunningly easy win over the defending AFC North champions.
The Browns defense forced the Bengals to punt 10 times in 14 possessions.
Cincinnati pulled Burrow with 5:15 left, and he spent the remainder of the game watching with his arms folded on the bench.
Cleveland's Nick Chubb eclipsed the century mark with 106 yards on 18 carries.
Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins converted three field goals of 42, 34 and 43 yards in his debutt. Hopkins was acquired in a trade last month after Cleveland cut Cade York.
The Bengals will host Baltimore next Sunday and Cleveland will travel to face rival Pittsburgh on Monday night.
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