— Joe Flacco returned to the Cleveland lineup and energized the offense at the lakefront, but the Browns fell 17-16 to the Cincinnati Bengals after a newly signed kicker missed a critical late attempt and other mistakes stalled Cleveland’s comeback.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Flacco made a strong start and helped drive the Browns’ offense against the Bengals.
- The Browns lost 17-16 on Sept. 7, 2025 at Cleveland’s lakefront game.
- A newly acquired kicker missed a decisive kick late in the fourth quarter.
- Special teams and late-game execution were the primary factors in the loss.
- The defeat raises immediate questions about roster and in-game decision-making.
- Cleveland showed offensive signs of life but could not convert in critical moments.
Verified Facts
On Sept. 7, 2025, Cleveland hosted Cincinnati on the lakefront. The final score was 17-16 in favor of the Bengals. Joe Flacco started and produced the offense’s most consistent plays of the evening, leading drives that kept the Browns competitive into the fourth quarter.
The Browns’ newly signed kicker missed a late attempt that would have given Cleveland the lead. That miss, combined with at least one other late-game mistake on offense or special teams, prevented the Browns from closing out the game.
Defensively, Cleveland had stretches of solid play but allowed enough sustained drives from Cincinnati to keep the game within reach for the visitors. Turnovers were limited; the game was decided on efficiency in the red zone and on special teams execution.
Attendance and atmosphere reflected a typical early-season lakefront crowd, with Comerica-area wind and conditions mentioned by players as influencing the kicking game and field-position strategy.
Context & Impact
The loss leaves the Browns with immediate questions about their kicking situation and late-game strategy. With a narrow margin, teams often scrutinize special teams coaching and personnel after a one-point or two-point defeat.
Joe Flacco’s performance complicates the quarterback conversation: the veteran provided timely drives and leadership, suggesting the offense can function effectively when protected and when the short-to-intermediate passing game is established.
Short-term impacts to watch:
- Special teams roster decisions, including the starter at placekicker.
- Whether Flacco continues as starter or if rotation decisions change week to week.
- Coaching adjustments on fourth-down and late-game clock management.
Official Statements
The team said it will evaluate the new kicker and special teams after the loss and review key decisions from tonight’s game.
Cleveland Browns
Unconfirmed
- Whether the Browns will release or keep the newly signed kicker in the coming days.
- Any immediate change in the starting quarterback plan beyond media statements—official determinations have not been announced.
Bottom Line
Joe Flacco’s return provided a spark and showed Cleveland’s offense has workable options, but special teams failures and late miscues cost the Browns a winnable 17-16 game. The club must decide quickly on kicking personnel and game-management tweaks as it moves into the second week of the season.