“David Bell Shines in Meaningless Week 18 Matchup: Browns’ Young Wideout Scores Two Touchdowns in Loss”
In a Week 18 matchup deemed inconsequential against the Bengals, young Browns wide receiver David Bell had the opportunity to shine, scoring two touchdowns in a losing effort. With the AFC’s fifth seed already secured going into Week 18 and no significant stakes to play for, the Browns’ primary goal in the 31-14 loss to the Bengals was simply to enter the postseason as healthy as possible.
Considering this, Kevin Stefanski treated the matchup akin to a preseason game, resting many key starters. However, one player’s absence became another’s opportunity, and 2022 second-round pick David Bell fully capitalized on it. Bell played 98% of the team’s offensive snaps on Sunday, delivering a career day with a team-high four catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
.@jeffdriskel dropped it in over the defense on 4th down#CLEvsCIN on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/rdKVLFxTEd
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 7, 2024
Reflecting on his performance, Bell stated, “It felt good. I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to come, and unfortunately, we lost, but I ended up having a pretty decent day.” To label it as “decent” would be an understatement. Among the team, only wideouts Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore, along with tight end David Njoku, have surpassed Bell’s single-game performance. Both Cooper and Njoku have exceeded Bell’s output multiple times, including two-touchdown games. Moore surpassed it only once and has recorded just two touchdowns all season.
Bell’s first score occurred on a 31-yard pass from Jeff Driskel in the fourth quarter, placed precisely over two defenders into the hands of the sure-handed Purdue product. This touchdown marked Cleveland’s first points of the game after being held scoreless for the initial three quarters.
.@DB3LL rises up between defenders and muscles his way into the end zone 💪#CLEvsCIN on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/JZTFW6uKzZ
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 7, 2024
Describing his reaction, Bell mentioned, “Yeah, I did [have a smile on my face]. I’m always smiling. A lot of my family was here, so they had an opportunity to see what was happening today also.” Touchdown No. 2 came on the Browns’ subsequent possession, concluding a nine-play, 75-yard drive. This time, Driskel floated a beautiful pass between bracketed coverage to Bell along the right sideline. Bell secured the ball with a defender on him, backing in for the score.
While the game held little significance for the Browns’ playoff standing, it meant something for second-year player Bell, striving to find his footing in the pros. With a trip to the playoffs looming next weekend, Bell will have the opportunity to make even more meaningful plays.
“As I said, we lost, and we wanted to end this season on a good note,” Bell remarked. “But we know we have a second season in front of us, and not a lot of teams get that opportunity. So by finishing the season and transferring over to the postseason, now our main focus is Houston.” The Browns are set to face the Texans at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, kicking off Super Wild Card Weekend.
