The Bengals entered week 6 on a 3 game losing streak, all three of which were embarrassing blowout losses. After getting beaten up by the Lions, the decision was made to trade for veteran QB Joe Flacco, and bench Jake Browning. This instilled some hope back into the organization, but being on the road against one of the Super Bowl favourites, the task at hand was significant, nonetheless.
Receiving the opening kickoff, the Packers started off the game by slicing through the Bengals defence. Love found Doubs for 21 yards on the opening play from scrimmage, before leading the Green Bay offence on a methodical drive down the field. The Bengals bent, allowing them to get just inside the redzone, but they didn’t break. They were able to put up some pressure on 3rd down, leading to an errant throw from Love. DJ Turner got a hand on it, and Geno Stone picked off the pass off the deflection. Unfortunately, Joe Flacco’s first drive as a Bengal resulted in a 3 and out.
The Packers then went on a 74 yard drive that started on their own 4 yard line. A 20 yard pass to Golden was the highlight. Deep inside Cincinnati territory, the Bengals defence again got off the field, holding them to a field goal.
3-0 Packers.
After a couple more Bengal punts, the Packers got going again. They converted on a couple of 3rd downs, including a 35 yard pass to Golden. The next play was a 29 yard pass from Love to Jacobs. On 1st & goal, Jacobs took the handoff up the gut, and found his way into the end zone.
10-0 Packers.
The Bengals attempted a field goal on the final play of the half. Starting at their own 7, Flacco led them to midfield. It was the first drive where the offence showed any sign of life. It was a 67 yard attempt for McPherson. As he was lining up, the Packers called a timeout to ice him. McPherson attempted the kick anyways, with the ball doinking off the crossbar and through the upright. However, in the legitimate attempt, McPherson missed wide right and short. The missed field goal was actually returned, but the field goal unit was able to bring him down before he could become much of a threat. Green Bay took their 10-0 lead into the half.
Getting the ball to start the 3rd quarter, the Bengals had their best drive of the day. It lasted 17 plays and took over 10 minutes off the clock. Flacco completed a few passes to Chase, as well as a couple to Higgins. There weren’t any big plays, with this drive being very methodical. Flacco did well to get the ball out quickly. They got down to the half yard line, but a false start penalty on Fant backed them up to the 5. Facing 4th & goal from the 2, they kept the offence back there. Flacco felt some pressure, but stood in there and threw a dart to Tanner Hudson in the back of the end zone.
10-7 Packers.
Green Bay was able to restore their 10 point lead on the very next drive. They were able to hit on some intermediate passes as they marched down the field. Jacobs continued to be a big part of their attack, gashing the Bengals defence for some nice pickups in the run game. He was the one to cap off the drive, going for a 14 yard TD.
17-7 Packers.
The Bengals would again make it a one score game. Chase and Higgins each made a big catch, but they had to settle for a 45 yard McPherson field goal.
17-10 Packers.
Unfortunately, the Packers again were able to regain their two score lead. Love got the drive going with a 15 yard completion to Doubs. Later, Jacobs gashed them for a 16 yard run. Love capped off the drive with a 19 yard TD pass to his TE, Kraft.
24-10 Packers.
Despite going down 14, the Bengals didn’t quit. Flacco led another nice drive, completing a series of quick passes to get the Bengals deep into Green Bay territory. Now inside the redzone, at the 19 yard line, they faced 4th & 2. Flacco dropped back, and looked for Chase, who was nearing the end zone. With a defender blanked on him, and another approaching fast, Chase somehow managed to haul it in and hang on. The Bengals went for 2, and Flacco found Chase Brown in the end zone.
24-18 Packers.
On the next Green Bay drive, a Geno Stone sack put the Packers in a 3rd & 8 situation. It was an opportunity for the defence to give the ball back to the offence, and give them a chance to lead a game winning drive. However, it was not to be. Jordan Battle looked lost trying to cover Golden, and the speedy rookie took advantage. He created separation down the field, and Love found him for a 31 yard gain. The Packers kicked a field goal on the drive to go up 9.
27-18 Packers.
The Bengals needed two scores and an onside kick in order to pull off the comeback. They got into field goal range, and attempted to cut the lead down to 6. However, in a tough stadium for kickers, McPherson missed the 56 yard attempt.
27-18 Packers – Final.
With this loss, it is their fourth straight, and the Bengals fall to 2-4 on the year. It will be a quick turnaround for them, as they return home in week 7 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football.
