Game story
In Week 4 of the 2009 NFL season on 2009-10-04, the Cincinnati Bengals took care of business against the Cleveland Browns, pulling away with a 23–20 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Anderson (Cleveland Browns) paced the passing game, with -7.94 total EPA, and -3.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Massaquoi (Cleveland Browns) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.97 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+48.1% win probability) landed in overtime when Cleveland Browns changed the game: (3:32) 15-D.Zastudil punts 51 yards to end zone, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Touchback.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 23 |
| Cleveland Browns | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Massaquoi · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +7.97 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 2 J. Foschi · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.98 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.33 EPA/play
- 3 D. Anderson · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +3.25 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.62 EPA/play
- 4 B. Scott · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +3.08 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 5 C. Henry · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.19 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 6 C. Palmer · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +1.32 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.03 EPA/play
- 7 A. Caldwell · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.02 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 8 R. Royal · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +0.94 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Massaquoi — CLE · Receiving
M. Massaquoi posted the highest total EPA (+7.97) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Cleveland Browns's efficiency. Across 13 counted snaps, they averaged +0.61 EPA per play.
The signature play (-11.42 EPA) came from Cleveland Browns: (14:26) 35-J.Harrison left tackle to CIN 20 for 1 yard (29-L.Hall). FUMBLES (29-L.Hall), RECOVERED by CIN-91-R.Geathers at CIN 25. 91-R.Geathers for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cincinnati Bengals — C. Ochocinco (C. Palmer pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Harrison
- Cleveland Browns — S. Heiden (D. Anderson pass)
- Cleveland Browns — D. Anderson
- Cincinnati Bengals — C. Ochocinco (C. Palmer pass)
Field goals
- Cleveland Browns — B. Cundiff
- Cleveland Browns — B. Cundiff
- Cincinnati Bengals — unlisted player
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CLE 5 (Q1 45:40); Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q1 45:35) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CIN 21 (Q2 44:26); Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q2 44:10) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q2 31:33) — (1:33) 3-D.Anderson pass short right to 82-S.Heiden for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 31:26) — 8-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil..
The third quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–0. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q3 16:44) — (1:44) 3-D.Anderson right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q3 16:37) — 8-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 6–6. Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the CIN 9 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 8-B.Cundiff 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the CIN 13 (Q4 6:38) — (6:38) 8-B.Cundiff 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CLE 2 (Q4 2:02) — (2:02) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 85-C.Ochocinco for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [99-C.Williams]..
Overtime: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 3–0. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal (OT 0:04) — END GAME.
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cleveland Browns (OT 3:32) — (3:32) 15-D.Zastudil punts 51 yards to end zone, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Touchback.
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 1:04) — (1:04) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer scrambles up the middle to CLE 26 for 15 yards (22-B.McDonald).
- Cleveland Browns (OT 7:35) — (7:35) 15-D.Zastudil punts 58 yards to CIN 15, Center-64-R.Pontbriand. 12-Q.Cosby to CIN 25 for 10 yards (16-J.Cribbs).
- Cincinnati Bengals (OT 6:30) — (6:30) 10-K.Huber punts 49 yards to CLE 20, Center-48-B.St. Louis. 16-J.Cribbs to CLE 31 for 11 yards (59-B.Johnson).
- Cleveland Browns (Q2 44:26) — (14:26) 35-J.Harrison left tackle to CIN 20 for 1 yard (29-L.Hall). FUMBLES (29-L.Hall), RECOVERED by CIN-91-R.Geathers at CIN 25. 91-R.Geathers for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cleveland Browns (Q2 44:26) — (14:26) 35-J.Harrison left tackle to CIN 20 for 1 yard (29-L.Hall). FUMBLES (29-L.Hall), RECOVERED by CIN-91-R.Geathers at CIN 25. 91-R.Geathers for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 16:37) — 8-B.Cundiff kicks 73 yards from CLE 30 to CIN -3. 87-A.Caldwell to CIN 20 for 23 yards (56-K.Maiava, 27-N.Sorensen). FUMBLES (56-K.Maiava), RECOVERED by CLE-54-B.Costanzo at CIN 18.
- Cleveland Browns (Q3 23:49) — (8:49) (Shotgun) 3-D.Anderson pass short right intended for 82-S.Heiden INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Joseph at CIN 0. 22-J.Joseph to CIN 32 for 32 yards (17-B.Edwards). Cleveland challenged the incomplete pass
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 2:02) — (2:02) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 85-C.Ochocinco for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [99-C.Williams].
Quarterback report card
D.Anderson led all passers in efficiency for Cleveland Browns, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Anderson (Cleveland Browns) · 50 dropbacks · 52.0% completion · -3.0% CPOE · -0.16 EPA/play · -7.94 total EPA
- C.Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 49 dropbacks · 46.9% completion · -6.4% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.32 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.126 | -0.159 |
| Offensive success rate | 37.6% | 39.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.027 | -0.159 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.056 | -0.357 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.159 | +0.126 |
| Defensive success rate | 60.2% | 62.4% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cincinnati Bengals -0.13, Cleveland Browns -0.16) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 17 drives, -12.77 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Cleveland Browns: 17 drives, -16.40 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Cincinnati Bengals leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- M. Massaquoi (Cleveland Browns) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Palmer (CIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 45:40 · CLE 5 · Score 6-0
(:40) 9-C.Palmer pass short right to 85-C.Ochocinco for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Cleveland challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout # - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 45:35 · CLE 2 · Score 7-0
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 44:26 · CIN 21 · Score 13-0
(14:26) 35-J.Harrison left tackle to CIN 20 for 1 yard (29-L.Hall). FUMBLES (29-L.Hall), RECOVERED by CIN-91-R.Geathers at CIN 25. 91-R.Geathers for 75 yards, T - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 44:10 · CLE 2 · Score 14-0
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 31:33 · CIN 1 · Score 14-6
(1:33) 3-D.Anderson pass short right to 82-S.Heiden for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 31:26 · CIN 2 · Score 14-7
8-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 16:44 · CIN 1 · Score 14-13
(1:44) 3-D.Anderson right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q3 16:37 · CIN 2 · Score 14-14
8-B.Cundiff extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · CIN 9 · Score 14-17
(15:00) 8-B.Cundiff 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q4 6:38 · CIN 13 · Score 14-20
(6:38) 8-B.Cundiff 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 2:02 · CLE 2 · Score 20-20
(2:02) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 85-C.Ochocinco for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [99-C.Williams]. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — OT 0:04 · Score 23-20
END GAME
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Cleveland Browns 23-20 in Week 4, 2009 on 2009-10-04.
What was the final score of Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns?
The final score was Cincinnati Bengals 23, Cleveland Browns 20 (CIN 23-20 CLE) in Week 4, 2009 on 2009-10-04.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Cleveland Browns 0; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Cleveland Browns 7; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Cleveland Browns 7; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 6, Cleveland Browns 6; Q5: Cincinnati Bengals 3, Cleveland Browns 0; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 23, Cleveland Browns 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns?
Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Ochocinco (C. Palmer pass) (Q1 45:40) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Harrison (Q2 44:26) Cleveland Browns touchdown — S. Heiden (D. Anderson pass) (Q2 31:33) Cleveland Browns touchdown — D. Anderson (Q3 16:44) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Ochocinco (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 2:02) Cleveland Browns field goal — B. Cundiff (Q4 15:00, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — B. Cundiff (Q4 6:38, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — unlisted player (OT 0:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns?
D. Anderson (Cleveland Browns), 52.0% completion, -3.0% CPOE, -0.16 EPA per dropback, -7.94 total passing EPA. C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 46.9% completion, -6.4% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.32 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns?
M. Massaquoi (Cleveland Browns) led the game in total EPA with +7.97 on receiving plays. across 13 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-11.42 EPA): (14:26) 35-J.Harrison left tackle to CIN 20 for 1 yard (29-L.Hall). FUMBLES (29-L.Hall), RECOVERED by CIN-91-R.Geathers at CIN 25. 91-R.Geathers for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +48.1%.
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Cincinnati Bengals won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 2-1 Now 3-1 W
Cleveland Browns
Entered 0-3 Now 0-4 L
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