Reactions: Cincinnati recovers Jerome Ford fumble during first quarter in Cleveland
The Cincinnati Bengals avoided a potential early deficit against the Browns during the first quarter of their Week 1 Battle of Ohio showdown in Cleveland when former University of Cincinnati Bearcats running back Jerome Ford fumbled in the red zone.
Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt forced the fumble with about 3:30 left in the opening quarter by yanking the ball away from Ford, and defensive back Chidobe Awuzie recovered it at the Cincinnati 13-yard line, just yards away from where he suffered an ACL injury last season.
"Ball security. Take care of it. Put it away," CBS analyst Charles Davis said during the broadcast. "Now it's for real."
Social media reactions to the first turnover of the game and season:
Germaine Pratt has made that play a dozen times with the Bengals. His instincts, strength and nose for the ball helps him force it loose for the fumble.
The Bengals call themselves a bend don't break defense. That was a momentum changer.— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) September 10, 2023
#Browns offense was driving only to see Jerome Ford to cough up the ball on the #Bengals 10. Cincinnati recovers and will take over on its 13.
Yikes.
Tough break for Cleveland. Still scoreless.— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) September 10, 2023
Fumbles were an issue for RB Jerome Ford in college (6 fumbles on 316 touches). Ball security apparently still a concern with him. #Browns
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 10, 2023
#Browns Jerome Ford missed most of camp with his hamstring injury. He'll need some ramp up time.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 10, 2023
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati recovers Jerome Ford's first-quarter fumble in Cleveland
