Cincinnati Bengals Week 10 Grades: vs. Cleveland Browns

Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis looks on from the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. The Browns won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams: A-
They forced the only turnover and, outside of one bad punt, special teams was the highlight for the Bengals. On a great effort to hold them inside the five yard line, Dre Kirkpatrick dove and knocked the ball back away from the endzone and hence, saved a touchback. A solid punting performance that pinned the Browns back numerous times, and the coverage team only allowed 15 yards on two attempted returns. They should be rewarded for the best effort of the evening.

Coaching: D-
They made no adjustments at halftime to help themselves come back. The only difference they saw in the Browns was their decision go move into deeper coverage to keep the Bengals from making an momentum-changing plays. Marvin Lewis didn’t seem to have any answers and, of course, the injury bug is going to be an excuse for any optimist looking for a reason to justify the loss.

The Bengals hit the road after going 2-1 on this three-game home stretch. Although the Bengals possess a solid record, they play in the only division where every team possesses a better than .500 record; the only since the 2008 NFC South. This is not a division to lose ground in. The Bengals must improve or they will be on their couches come January.