Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, left, is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

CLEVELAND (AP) — DJ Turner and the Bengals defense heard the narrative throughout the offseason that they were mainly the reason why Cincinnati missed the playoffs last season.

On a day when Joe Burrow and the high-powered offense struggled against the Cleveland Browns, it was the defense that came up big and propelled the Bengals to their first Week 1 victory since 2021.

Turner and Jordan Battle came up with two huge interceptions in the second half as Cincinnati held on for a 17-16 victory on Sunday.

“It was great. We did exactly what we wanted to do,” Turner said. “Al

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