What Did David Bell Say About His Career Game This Week?

Young Browns wideout David Bell had an opportunity to shine in a meaningless Week 18 showdown against the Bengals, scoring two touchdowns in a loss.

With the AFC’s fifth seed already secured and nothing of consequence to play for, the Browns’ sole goal in a 31-14 loss to the Bengals was simply to go to the postseason as healthy as possible.

With that in mind, Kevin Stefanski approached the game as if it were a preseason game, keeping as many of his key starters off the field as possible. But one man’s absence is another man’s opportunity, and 2022 second-round pick David Bell made the most of his.

Bell played 98 percent of the team’s offensive snaps on Sunday, compiling a career-high four catches for 68 yards and two scores.

“It felt good,” Bell later stated. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to come, and unfortunately we lost, but I ended up having a pretty decent.”

Decent is undervaluing it. Only fellow wideouts Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore, as well as tight end David Njoku, have had a better single-game performance than Bell. Cooper and Njoku have both outscored Bell many times and each had a two-touchdown game. Moore has only topped it once this season and has only two touchdowns.

Bell’s first touchdown came on a 31-yard pass from Jeff Driskel to the back corner of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Driskel’s lobbed a pass over two defenders and into the lap of the sure-handed’ Purdue product. It was Cleveland’s first points of the game after being shut out for the first three quarters.

“Yeah, I did [have a smile on my face],” Bell responded when asked about his reaction to the play. “I’m always happy. My entire family was present, so they could observe what was going on today as well.”

The Browns’ second touchdown came on their very next possession, capping off a nine-play, 75-yard drive. This time, Driskel floated a great pass to Bell along the right sideline amid bracketed coverage. With a defender on him, he hauled in for the score.

The game didn’t mean much for the Browns’ playoff chances, but it did for a second-year player trying to make his way in the league. With a trip to the playoffs coming next weekend, Bell will have even more opportunities to make significant plays.

“Like I said, we lost, and we wanted to end this season on a good note,” Bell went on to say. “But we know we have a second season ahead of us, and not many teams get that chance.” So, by finishing the season and moving on to the postseason, Houston has become our primary focus.”

The Browns play the Texans on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. to kick up Super Wild Card Weekend.