CINCINNATI – Baker Mayfield threw two touchdown passes, Nick Chubb ran for 137 yards and the Cleveland Browns, triggered by cornerback Denzel Ward’s 99-yard intercept return for a touchdown, capped a chaotic week with a crush Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, 41-16, on Sunday.

The Browns (5-4) were desperate for a win after losing three of four. Their situation turned dire on Wednesday when star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was exiled for misconduct and the team decided to release him.

But like last year, when Mayfield played more freely after Beckham suffered a season-ending knee injury – at Cincinnati – the Cleveland QB was on target and the Browns put on their most comprehensive game this year. season to humiliate the Bengals (5-4), who get injured with mistakes as they lost their second straight.

Burrow threw two interceptions and was sacked five times – three by cornerback Troy Hill – and Bengals rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase lost two assists, one in the end zone.

Leading 24-10 at halftime, the Browns pulled off Chubb’s 70-yard sprint in the third quarter, sparking a wild celebration along the Cleveland sideline.

Chubb also scored on a one-yard run in the second quarter when the Browns built their big lead despite being passed and their defense on the field for nearly 23 minutes in the first half. .

Mayfield, who has been playing for weeks with a stabilizer harness over his left shoulder, connected to Donovan Peoples-Jones on a 60-yard pass in the first half and 18 yards to David Njoku in the fourth.

Mayfield, who suffered a cut to his left knee in the second half, finished 14 of 21 for 218 yards and a 132.6 passer rating.

Burrow had 28 of 40 for 282 yards and both picks, bringing his career total to 22.

Ward’s superb pick-6 in the first quarter was the first of three turnovers forced by the Cleveland defense. The Browns kept constant pressure on Burrow, who fell 0-3 against them.

Sunday’s game provided the Browns with an opportunity to get over the hubbub from Beckham.

His relationship with the team came to a head on Tuesday, when Beckham’s father shared a video on social media of Mayfield not throwing the ball at his wide-open son. The post came hours before the trade deadline and was a knockout blow as the Browns were fed up with Beckham’s selfish attitude and trade demands.

Ward’s interception – at that point, just the sixth out by the Cleveland defense this season – came after the Browns sacked Burrow on the third down, only to be canceled by off-line tackle Malik McDowell. Game.

Burrow then attempted to hit Chase in the right corner, but Ward jumped out of the way and sent him back the full length of the pitch, setting the tone for a day the Browns couldn’t hurt.

Ward needed some oxygen on the sidelines and missed most of Cincinnati’s 75 yards, which ended in Joe Mixon’s 11-yard scoreline.

Goodbye Beckham

It would have been lifted before Monday, but the NFL transaction thread is only open on weekends for game-related moves.

If Beckham is not claimed by 4 p.m. Tuesday, he is a free agent and can sign with any team.

Injuries

Browns: CB Greedy Williams came out of the second round in Cincinnati with a right shoulder injury and did not return. He missed the whole of 2020 with a nervous problem in the same shoulder.

Bengals: Returner / S Brandon Wilson was hauled off the field with a left knee injury sustained during a comeback in the second quarter. … LB Akeem Davis-Gaither did not play in the second half after injuring his left knee.