The Bengals ended their preseason with a home game against the Indianapolis Colts. It was the final opportunity for fringe guys to make a serious push for a roster spot or practice squad. As well, it was a great opportunity for the second/third team units, who went up against starters for much of the first half.
It was a poor start for the Bengals, who went 3 and out, and then allowed Anthony Richardson and the Colts to march down the field. Richardson hit Pierce for 18 yards on the first play, and later found him again for 13. They continued to make their way forward, with Pittman, Taylor, and Mitchell getting involved. The drive was capped by a 9 yard pass from Richardson to the rookie Mitchell. 7-0 Colts.
The Bengals would soon tie the game. But it was with the defence on the field. Richardson attempted a short pass, but it was picked off by Jordan Battle, who returned it 14 yards for the TD. 7-7.
The two sides continued to trade punts, but the Colts, now with Sam Ehlinger in at QB, were threatening late in the first half. They got down to the Cincinnati 3 yard line, but the defence held, and forced a turnover on downs.
Indianapolis opened the 2nd half with a 28 yard field goal drive. It was a 56 yarder by Shrader, making the score 10-7 Colts. And after another Bengals punt, the Colts further added to their lead. It was a 92 yard drive with Bean, now in at QB, completing a few big passes, including multiple ones that were over 20 yards. Eventually, Bean was able to run it in from a yard out. 17-7 Colts.
The Colts would add another field goal before the Bengals finally put up some offensive points. Cole Burgess started things off with a 36 yard kickoff return. Trayveon Williams ripped off a 16 yard run, and then added another 13 on his next two runs combined, as the Bengals made their way into Colts territory. A couple of plays later, Logan Woodside found Jermaine Burton from 21 yards out for the TD. 20-14 Colts.
Indy would add their final score on the next drive, with former Bengal Demetric Felton getting loose for a 40 yard TD run. This made the score 27-14 for the Colts, which is how it would end.
This concludes the Bengals 2024 preseason. The season opener against the Patriots is right around the corner. But first, focus shifts to final cuts, which will be taking place on Tuesday.
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