BENGALS 21, BROWNS 14

With their putrid, penalty-ridden performance against division rival Cincinnati, the Browns lost their 25th home game since their rebirth, compared to only nine victories.

By now you expect these Butch Davis-coached Browns teams to commit penalties aplenty. You figure Quincy Morgan will tantalize you with greatness but also mishandle the ball when you can least afford it. You know before the snap whether the Browns will run or pass based on the personnel and formation.

And you should know that this team’s talent is pretty average. They don’t dominate in any aspect they can rely upon week after week. They don’t trump the erstwhile sad-sack Bengals on raw ability. Rarely, a bit of luck or a big special-teams play will turn a game. But usually the difference hinges on game-planning, adjustments, offensive execution, and defensive intensity.

On every one of those scores, the Bengals mauled the Dawgs yesterday.