{"id":245468,"date":"2025-09-08T08:30:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T12:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=245468"},"modified":"2025-09-07T19:42:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-07T23:42:36","slug":"al-goldens-defense-shines-in-week-1-victory-over-the-browns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/09\/08\/al-goldens-defense-shines-in-week-1-victory-over-the-browns\/","title":{"rendered":"Al Golden’s Defense Shines in Week 1 Victory Over the Browns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Al Golden and his much-maligned Bengals<\/a> defense stole the show in the second half and captured an elusive Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns<\/a>. The offense started hot and went right down the field for a 12-play, 68-yard opening drive touchdown that Joe Flacco and crew would match with an even longer drive of their own that took 9:50 off the clock. Both teams would trade barbs back and forth, with Cincinnati ultimately coming away victorious 17-16<\/a> in a wild game. The Bengals’ defense was masterful after halftime, limiting the Browns on their final five<\/a> possessions to an interception, a turnover on downs, a punt, a missed field goal, and another interception, which sealed the game.<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) catches a pass ahead of Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle (27) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 1 game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. The Bengals begin the season with a 17-16 win over the Browns.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Al Golden’s Defense Shines in Week 1 Victory Over the Browns<\/h2>\n

Golden Rule<\/h3>\n

Golden’s history with the team, serving as linebackers coach from 2020 to 2021, which saw the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI, was a perfect match for his chance to lead the defense this offseason. The Brown and Blackburn families love to work with those they know, so the signing of Golden wasn’t a surprise. Head coach Zac Taylor was also effusive in his praise when Golden was hired, especially as it related to his experience in the college ranks.<\/p>\n

Throughout the spring and summer, Golden was behind the scenes retooling the defense into his image, which is predicated on playing fast and creating turnovers. These tenets were on full display in Week 1, and both played a major factor in securing the win for the orange and black. This is a good sign, as several players stepped up to put a game away. This was a major problem in 2024, with too many games slipping away for several reasons that cost Cincinnati a chance at the postseason. It was a solid start with much to work on as the Jacksonville Jaguars are on deck in the Jungle next Sunday.<\/p>\n

Jordan Battle<\/h3>\n

Third-year safety Jordan Battle has been through many ups and downs in his short NFL career. The team has put their trust back in him this season, and he immediately repaid them with a stellar interception, where he tipped the ball back to himself against Flacco in the third quarter, with the Browns leading 16-14.<\/p>\n

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Jordan Battle INT.<\/p>\n

Bengals cash in after back to back pressures up front. pic.twitter.com\/EVagAv7DSS<\/a><\/p>\n

— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) September 7, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n