The Cincinnati Bengals’ season came to a disappointing end as the team lost 20-18 to the Cleveland Browns in the season finale. The Bengals had put together a solid stretch before the game, as they had won back-to-back games, blowing out their two opponents. Unfortunately, they could not end the season on a high-note, as they gave up a late lead against Cleveland. The Bengals took the lead with less than two minutes remaining, but failed to stop rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who drove the Browns down the field for a game-winning 49-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Bengals secured the 10th overall selection. A win would have had them picking 11th in the draft. Cincinnati has not had a top ten selection in the draft since 2021, where they took Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth overall pick. The Bengals
Bengals Player Punished by NFL
Every year, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures. According to the NFL , the purpose of this is “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” In the 2025 NFL regular season, 368 plays resulted in fines.
Defensive end Cedric Johnson was one of those players who got fined for his actions during the game against the Browns. With 9:44 remaining in the second quarter, Johnson pressured quarterback Shedeur Sanders and made contact with his head and neck area. The contact was deemed enough to warrant a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer. Johnson was fined a total of $5,525 as it was his first offense of the season.
Johnson may now choose to appeal the league’s decision. If he were to appeal his case would be “heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding.”
The money from his fine will go towards “The Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.” According to the NFL, since 2011, about $4 million a year has been used to support these causes.
Bengals Regular Season Finale
The regular season finale featured no postseason ramifications for either team as both had long since been eliminated. However, the story heading into the game was about pass-rusher Myles Garrett and if he could set a new single-season sack record . He managed that feat as he sacked Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in the fourth quarter.
For the Bengals, their 6-11 season marks the worst since 2020. It ended their four-year streak of winning seasons, and extended their three-year postseason drought. Despite the negative season by the Bengals, president Mike Brown decided that the team will not make any drastic changes. They announced head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin will both be retained.
