Hillis returns as Browns lose close game 23-20 to Bengals

The rookie received A.J. Green was the key difference maker in this game of rivalry. Dalton threw deep to Green, who leapt and caught the ball for all of 51 yards. This movie soon led to a game winning field goal that gave the Bengals their 23-20 win.

Many tipped the Bengals to struggle this season and possibly win as few as one or two; however with this win they improved to 7-4 and kept their playoff hopes alive. Cleveland who had led at halftime were struggling with only 38 seconds left and this inevitably led to no chances as the Browns offense found new ways to fail the team.

Phil Dawson missed yet another field goal; however this was a long 55 yard attempt on the rainy field. Although Dawson has had a lot of field goal attempts of late, this soon could change as superstar running back Peyton Hillis made his return and rushed for 65 yards. This improved running game allowed the Browns to score 20 points for only their second time of the season. Although Hillis wasn't at his best, this performance will surely be the starting point of better performances in the coming weeks. The Browns will most certainly need the help of Hillis as they face the Ravens & Steelers soon.

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Browns quarterback Colt McCoy was 16 of 34 for 151 yards for two touchdowns, one of his more admirable performances of the season. His early touchdown pass was converted by Jordan Norwood who made sure the Browns had their first touchdown in a 1st quarter of the season.

The Browns will take a few positives from this game and anticipate bigger and better performances from the coming weeks. Although the opponents will be tougher, the Browns will be more prepared and some would say better equipped now Hillis has returned. The Bengals will leave this game knowing a playoff push is still possible, however run of consecutive wins would help this possibility become more realistic. 

By Kenny Brown
ProFootball-fans.com Cleveland Browns Correspondent