The Bengals entered week 3 with an undefeated record, looking to improve to 3-0 on the year. It was the battle of the backups in this one, with Jake Browning taking on Carson Wentz, who was filling in for the injured JJ McCarthy. As well, the Vikings have been dealing with several issues along the offensive line, something that Trey Hendrickson and co. would be looking to exploit.
Things, however, did not go according to plan for the Bengals. Right from the get-go, the defence was exploited. Mason was gashing them up the middle, while Wentz was completing passes down the field. A 12 yard pass from Wentz to Oliver gave the Vikings an early 7-0 lead.
A couple of drives later, the Bengals were going down the field, looking to tie it up. However, Browning was intercepted by Rodgers, who returned it 87 yards for a TD. 14-0 Vikings.
The two teams exchanged field goals early in the 2nd quarter before things continued to really unravel for the Bengals. With the offence driving again, they committed another costly turnover. This time, Noah Fant had the ball punched out, and it was recovered by, you guessed it, Rodgers, who returned it 66 yards for his second TD of the game. 24-3 Vikings.
Cincinnati’s turnover troubles continued right until the end of the 1st half. A Ja’Marr Chase fumble led to an eventual 5 yard TD run by Mason. Then, a fumble by Samaje Perine led to a field goal. The Vikings went into the break with a 34-3 lead.
Minnesota scored a TD on their opening drive of the 2nd half, via a 4 yard run by Mason. After Browning tossed another pick, the Vikings added another one. It was a 4 yard pitch and catch from Wentz to the TE, Hockenson. 48-3 Vikings.
The Bengals added a 4th quarter garbage time TD to cut the deficit just a little. Browning found his old college teammate, Drew Sample, for a 4 yard score. 48-10 Vikings.
At that point, the two teams ran out the clock. Brett Rypien saw a little action for the Bengals, but did not attempt a pass. Brosmer, the 3rd string QB for the Vikings, also got in towards the end.
The Bengals drop to 2-1 on the season, losing this one about as pitifully as you possibly could. For the third time in the first four weeks, the Bengals will be on the road. It will be their first primetime matchup of the season, as they head to Denver to take on the Broncos on Monday Night Football.
Thumbnail Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)