The AFC North battle between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals featured multiple big plays in the first half, as well as multiple taunting penalties for Marshawn Lynch-inspired celebrations.
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The first taunting penalty came late in the first quarter. Linebacker Devin Bush intercepted a pass by Joe Burrow at the three-yard line. He then returned it 97 yards for a touchdown.
Bush jumped into the end zone and grabbed his crotch to close out the play, mimicking the move that Lynch did to the Saints to close out the famous BeastQuake touchdown run during the 2010 wild card playoffs. Unlike Lynch, Bush received a penalty.
Browns flagged for this celebration pic.twitter.com/S7wDBoaVul
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 4, 2026
The second taunting penalty happened on the very next drive. Bengals tight end Noah Fant fumbled near midfield. Browns cornerback Sam Webb picked up the ball and then ran for a 46-yard touchdown.
Like Bush before him, Webb jumped into the end zone. The camera angle did not show whether he grabbed his crotch, but the rear angle made it appear to be case. Either way, the closest referee responded by throwing a penalty flag in the air.
Browns are so stupid why do they keep taking taunting penalties??? What are these coaches teaching them #Bengals pic.twitter.com/rYK7Ls8JRP
— Honest Dude (@BeingHonestdude) January 4, 2026
The responses to the consecutive penalties varied. Some people said that the NFL is the "No Fun League" while referencing other penalties called throughout the season. Others questioned the decision to celebrate in such a manner while referencing head coach Kevin Stefanski's uncertain future.
"How do you define an undisciplined team? You get a taunting penalty on a touchdown and the next defensive touchdown you get the same taunting penalty," one person wrote on X. "Coach has no control over the team."
The interesting thing is that the Bush penalty nearly didn't happen. He needed some assistance to even reach the end zone after intercepting Burrow's pass at the 3-yard line.
As Bush ran down the field, Bengals running back Chase Brown tracked him down with greater speed. Bush had to turn to fellow defender Myles Garrett and frantically point at Brown so that he could get the needed block.
