CINCINNATI — One of the best first halves in a generation was enough for the Browns to keep the good feelings going after the bye.
The Browns rolled over the Bengals on Sunday, 35-20, and shook off a few long-standing distinctions that have hovered over the team along the way. The win was Cleveland's first on the road since October 2015, snapping a 25-game streak, and gave the Browns' their first back-to-back victories since November 2014.
The Browns moved to 4-6-1 on the season, giving them their most wins since 2014. The Bengals fell to 5-6 with their fifth loss in their past six games.
Baker Mayfield and the Browns offense came out firing with touchdowns on its first four possessions to build a 28-0 advantage before the end of the first half. It marked the most points Cleveland had scored in the first half in 27 years.
Mayfield was the catalyst for a Browns offense that didn't punt until the 10-minute mark in the second half. He completed 19-for-26 of his passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns — the most ever by a Browns rookie quarterback and most by any Cleveland signal-caller since Brady Quinn did it in 2009. He completed them to four different players — Antonio Callaway, Nick Chubb, David Njoku and Darren Fells -- and connected with eight different receivers throughout the game.
Chubb rushed for 84 yards and scored the Browns' first touchdown of the game.
After surrendering a touchdown late in the first half, the Browns quickly built their lead back to 28 when Emmanuel Ogbah fell on a Bengals' high snap. Cleveland scored two plays later when Mayfield found Fells in the back of the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown.
Damarious Randall had the Browns' other takeaway in the game, his third interception of the season that set up Cleveland's fourth scoring drive.
Cincinnati made it interesting with 14 unanswered points, cutting the lead to 15 midway through the fourth quarter. The clock was Cleveland's best friend as the game came to a close.
The Cleveland Browns play the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12 at Paul Brown Stadium.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, center, leaps into the arms of Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) on a touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) directs his players before the snap in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and wide receiver Breshad Perriman (19) celebrate in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb, center, scores a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns kicker Greg Joseph, right, boots an extra point alongside placeholder Britton Colquitt (4) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield prepares to pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield prepares to throw in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway (11) catches a touchdown pass against Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) is tackled by Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert (53) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway, second from left, celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Rashard Higgins (81), wide receiver Breshad Perriman (19) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins, right, is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) is tackled by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Genard Avery (55) and cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield looks to pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield reacts in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) leaps into the arms of Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates, center left, on a touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) catches a touchdown pass against Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Brandon Wilson (40) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) catches a touchdown pass against Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Brandon Wilson (40) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb, center, celebrates his touchdown with wide receivers Antonio Callaway (11) and Jarvis Landry, left, in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson (90), outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55), and free safety Jessie Bates (30) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cleveland Browns tight end Darren Fells (88) catches a touchdown pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway (11) celebrates his touchdown with tight end David Njoku (85) and wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) and outside linebacker Genard Avery (55) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Player of the Game: Mayfield continued his torrid stretch since the Browns made changes at head coach and offensive coordinator. After his latest, best effort of the season, Mayfield is 65-for-88 for 771 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception in his last three games. His 17 touchdowns on the season are the most-ever by a Browns rookie.
Best from the Bengals: Playing in relief of an injured Andy Dalton — who exited in the second half with a thumb injury — Jeff Driskel made the most of his opportunity, completing 17-of-29 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's second half.
Key Moment: Already ahead 21-0 midway through the second quarter, the Browns extended their lead with one of the best catches of the season. Chubb caught a lofted pass from Mayfield over the shoulders of Bengals defensive back Brandon Wilson and held on all the way to the ground to secure the improbable 14-yard touchdown.
Stat of the Game: The Browns' touchdown on their opening drive was their first since Week 14 of last year against the Packers.
Who's Next?: The Browns stay on the road next Sunday with a trip to the AFC South-leading Houston Texans.
