Back at .500 and coming off the bye, the Bengals were in for a tough task against one of the better teams in the NFL. Though the 49ers are going through a bit of a rough patch, their coaching, offensive weapons, and ferocious pass rush are all still things that will require opponents to be at their best. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan mentioned during the week that some new stuff was being worked on for the offence. This included some plays from under centre, something the Bengals have done very little of this year. Well, the offence looked rejuvenated, led by a healthy Joe Burrow, while the defensive game plan was also quite good. The only question, would mistakes be enough to spoil the show?
The game started out about as good as it could have for the Bengals. They allowed McCaffrey to pick up 8 on a 1st down run, but then proceeded to stuff the next two runs, forcing a 3 and out. On offence, Burrow wasted no time getting Chase and Higgins involved early. It was those two who were responsible for most of the yardage on the opening drive. Now in 49ers territory, a Joe Mixon run set them up just outside the 10 yard line. A couple of plays later, Burrow found the third WR of the big trio, Tyler Boyd, from 7 yards out for the TD. 7-0 Bengals early.
On defence, the second drive wasn’t so good. Purdy and the 49ers offence found their rhythm. A completion to McCaffrey started off the drive, and a 31 yard pass to Aiyuk came right after a 16 yard scramble by Purdy. They were moving the ball well, eventually ending up at the Bengals 2 yard line. From there, McCaffrey was able to punch it in for the score. 7-7.
Cincinnati responded well, their next drive being sparked by Trayveon Williams’ 41 yard kickoff return. After Mixon and Boyd each picked up a couple of chunk plays, the Bengals quickly found themselves at the San Francisco 2 yard line. On 1st & goal Burrow, with a free play after Kinlaw jumped off side, had time to scan the field. Rolling calmly to his right, he found Andrei Iosivas along the sideline for the TD. 2nd of Iosivas’s young career. 14-7 Bengals.
Still 14-7, the Bengals had a chance to go up 10, but McPherson’s 50 yard attempt was wide right. After the Bengals got a redzone stop and held San Francisco to a field goal, the offence once again went on a long drive. They had 1st & goal from the 3 yard line, but instead of running the ball, it was a short pass to Irv Smith, who fumbled. The Bengals came up empty. A long catch by Kittle had the 49ers threatening to put points on the board, but they ultimately were unable to. 14-10 Bengals at the half.
The Bengals opened the 2nd half with a 56 yard McPherson field goal to make it 17-10. Then, after both teams punted, the 49ers started driving. San Francisco was piling on the shorter passes, taking advantage of their ability to run the play action. Now inside the Cincinnati 10, Purdy rolled out to his right on an option play, but threw an ill-advised pass which Germaine Pratt was able to tip to himself for the interception. It was a clutch play for the Benals defence.
Unable to take advantage of the interception, the Bengals sent Brad Robbins out to punt. On the next play from scrimmage, Purdy threw another pick, this time to Logan Wilson. The Bengals were set up with great field position. With their frequent use of screen passes throughout the game, Burrow was able to catch the defence biting on a pump fake. His over the shoulder pass to Chase was on the money. It was a 17 yard TD pass, giving the Bengals a 24-10 lead.
The 49ers answered, led by Aiyuk’s 2 catches for 40 yards on the drive. Cincinnati’s defence had a couple of opportunities to get off the field on 3rd down, but Purdy was able to scramble and make a play. McCaffrey eventually found the endzone for his second TD of the game, making the score 24-17 for the Bengals.
This next drive might have been the most impressive drive that I have seen from them in some time. Not necessarily because it was loaded with highlight reel plays, but because they did not take their foot off of the gas with a late-game lead. Burrow still came out passing, finding Trenton Irwin for a 21 yard catch and run. A 20 yarder to Chase followed shortly after. With a Burrow run, and a few nice ones from Mixon also showing up, the Bengals soon found themselves in the redzone ones again. On 2nd & goal from the 5, Joe Mixon ran it in to seal the game. 31–17 final.
The Bengals improved to 4-3 on the year, further tightening the race in the AFC North. Next week, they return home to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)