The Bengals were matched up against the Arizona Cardinals in week 17, coming off a blowout win over the Dolphins last week. Both teams, by now, have been eliminated from playoff contention, and are close enough in the standings to be competing for draft picks. However, the Cardinals have been dealing with a number of injuries, making Cincinnati the big favourites to come away with the win on their home field.
Well, the home team was quick to get going. A quick pass to Tanner Hudson moved the chains on 3rd down, before a 22 yarder to Ja’Marr Chase later moved the chains again. At the end of the drive, which was 12 plays long and took almost 6 minutes off the clock, Burrow found Chase for a 13 yard TD.
7-0 Bengals.
The Bengals extended their lead with another 12 play drive. This one took nearly 8 minutes off the clock. Burrow, at one point, hit Andrei Iosivas for consecutive 12 yard competitions, but overall, was spreading the ball around. Samaje Perine ended up punching it in from a yard out, but McPherson hooked the extra point. Still, the Bengals were up two scores.
13-0 Bengals.
Arizona answered with a TD of their own. It was a much quicker drive, as their score came on a big play. It was a 38 yarder from Brissett to Wilson. Wilson made the catch and proceeded to run up the sideline. Despite being surrounded by defenders, Geno Stone’s pathetic attempt of a tackle whiffed badly, and he was able to make it all the way to the end zone.
13-7 Bengals.
It was a 6 point game, but the Bengals would draw off. McPherson atoned for the missed extra point, hitting a 57 yard field goal. Then, Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase for an 8 yard TD. It was his 2nd TD of the game, and largely was set up by a big punt return by Ke’Shawn Williams.
23-7 Bengals at the half.
Cincinnati’s defence continued to force punts, with the Cardinals doing so twice in the 3rd quarter. Meanwhile, the Bengals offence ripped off two 10+ play, 80+ yard drives to begin the 2nd half. The first of which was set up by a 39 yard catch by Tee Higgins. The second drive saw Mike Gesicki make a 32 yard catch. Both drives ended in a Chase Brown rushing TD, from 6 yards and 1 yard out, respectively.
37-7 Bengals.
The Bengals played a lot of backups in the 4th quarter, with the game alert out of reach. Arizona added a TD in garbage time when Brissett found McBride over the middle for an 18 yard TD. A little before that, McBride set an NFL record for most receptions by a TE in a single season.
Despite McBride’s efforts, the Cardinals failed to get much going, and the Bengals came away with their second blow out win in a row.
37-14, final.
Cincinnati now sits at 6-10, and will close out the season next week at home against the Cleveland Browns.
