The Battle of Ohio is getting an offseason showdown this year ... 'cause the Cincinnati Bengals just went after the Cleveland Browns over their white throwback helmets -- claiming they're a blatant rip-off!!
The Browns announced the bold new look on Tuesday ... revealing players will rock non-orange helmets for several games this season -- something the franchise hasn't done in more than 70 years.
another level of CLEAN 🧼@David_Njoku80 | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/lu3OtdWGqt
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 18, 2023
While famous Browns supporters like LeBron James praised the clean combo, the Bengals -- who rocked alternate white domes last season -- were far from thrilled ... calling out the team for jacking their swag.
The Bengals shared old footage of team owner Mike Brown discussing the two teams' similar jerseys and colors back in the day ... saying former Browns honcho Art Modell believed Cincy "ripped off" Cleveland's look.
In other words, the Bengals think the roles have been reversed.
Oooo what a cool video I just found! pic.twitter.com/YcJg4rK2pi
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 18, 2023
The Browns clapped back with their own tweet ... pointing out the fact the team rocked white helmets from 1946-51 -- way before the Bengals even existed.
The two teams face off in Week 1 ... so they can settle the beef on the field.