Hey, it was just the JV

If nothing else, Browns fans found out Sunday what the Browns look like when absolutely nothing is on the line: The junior varsity. The varsity was on the bench for both sides of the football, benched by the head coach but with an invitation to the playoffs securely put away.

As a result, the Cincinnati Bengals practically waltzed through a ridiculously easy 31-14 victory to bring the regular season to a close Sunday. But that's okay. Can't imagine anyone really thought the Browns would win their fifth straight game. 

So, is it time to start getting worried all over again about Team Chaos because of this? Don't think so. Chances are pretty good the result of this one has already been forgotten. 

Under the circumstances, though, this was as bad as it could have been. The only mystery leading up to the game was how competitive those who got a chance to play would be. It was apparent early on the Bengals had nothing to worry about. 

First possession for the Browns, third play of the game. Interception. Been there before. This time, help would never arrive. They were merely spectators while in uniform on the sidelines, benched by their head coach.

Defensively, the Browns forced six punts, but had problems corralling veteran Bengals running Joe Mixon, who piled up 86 yards and two touchdowns by halftime. Jake Browning, filling for the injured Joe Burrow, chipped in with touchdown passes to Mixon and a pair to rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas.

The Browns. who finish the season at 11-6, had no answers offensively until it was too late. It was so bad, at one point, the likelihood of being shut out became a possibility. The Bengals held a 31-0 commanding early fourth-quarter lead. 

The last time the Browns were held scoreless was on Dec. 14, 2014 by the Bengals, 30-0. The quarterback for the Browns was Johnny Manziel.

The Cleveland offense had trouble Sunday getting beyond midfield until the second half, racking up just four first downs and a measly 41 yards in the first 30 minutes. Jeff Driskel's Browns debut at quarterback couldn't have gone any worse. Four for 10 for 37 yards in that span and picks by Jordan Battle and Logan Wilson. 

It took him three quarters to get comfortable, throwing for 111 of his 166-yard total in the final 15 minutes and making the final score look more respectable with a pair of touchdown passes to wide receiver David Bell.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski made certain the varsity would be healthy and ready to begin the games that really count next weekend down in Houston against the AFC South champion Texans. These teams played in Houston just a few weeks ago, the Browns emerging with a 36-22 victory.

The situation will be quite different this time. Houston rookie quarterback C. J. Stroud was sidelined with  a concussion in that one with ex-Browns QB Case Keenum and Davis Mills filling in. They didn't stand a chance.

Joe Flacco, in his fourth game with the Browns, plundered the Houston secondary for 368 yards and  touchdown throws to Jerome Ford, David Njoku and two to Amari Cooper while racing out to 36-7 lead entering the final quarter. Two late touchdowns in garbage time made the final look better than it was.

This time, though, the former Ohio State star will be ready. The favorite to win rookie-of-the-year honors has already thrown for 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. 

It should be the classic matchup of the young phenom against one of the best defenses in the National Football League. It will be interesting to see what difference the varsity Browns defense will make this time.

After the dyspeptic game defensive boss Jim Schwartz suffered through in Cincinnati, he probably can't wait to get back all those who were major contributors to the enormous success his defense has enjoyed this season.

Those guys who were spectators Sunday in Cincinnati.