The Bengals entered the week at 2-3, coming off a tough walk-off loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. This was a big game for the Bengals, but also many individuals, due to one connection or another to the city. Obviously, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase were on the National Championship LSU team, as was practice squadder Tyler Shelvin. La’el Collins is also an LSU alum. Trey Hendrickson, Eli Apple, and Vonn Bell, meanwhile, are all former Saints. Not to be oudone, it was also a revenge game for Saints QB Andy Dalton, who was facing his former team for the third time since being cut.
It was a slow start for both teams, with each going three and out on their opening drive. A Bengals mistake on special teams is what got things going soon after. Trent Taylor, with some running room, got a nice return, but lost control at the end of the play. The Saints were set up with great field position and only needed a few plays to find the endzone. It was Andy Dalton to Tre’Quan Smith from 18 yards out for the score. 7-0 Saints.
After each team punted once more, the Bengals would go on to have a nice drive. There wasn’t much downfield passing, but Burrow did well to spread the ball around and take what the defence was giving him. Boyd and Mixon were heavily involved in the drive, with a few Chase sightings and even a completion to Perine. Now facing 3rd & goal from the 9, Burrow found Joe Mixon, who had been split out wide, in the middle of the field. Facing a soft look, he had room to run after the catch, and was able to find his way into the endzone. 7-7.
The next New Orleans drive was a concerning one for the Bengals. After allowing a 7 and 14 yard run to Hill and Ingram, respectively, they were unable to contain an end around. It was Shaheed who got the call for the Saints. He had just been elevated from the practice squad, with Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Jarvis Landry all out. Shaheed took the end around 44 yards for the TD. His speed was undeniable, but still a big concern that the Bengals defence could not keep it contained whatsoever. 14-7.
After the Saints added a field goal deep in Cincinnati territory, the Bengals would go on another long drive. Burrow was able to spread it around once again, with Higgins, Mixon, Hurst, and Boyd all involved. It was good to see Higgins catch a couple of passes, as his involvement was in question coming in, due to an ankle injury. Later in the drive, the Bengals were facing 3rd & 8 from the New Orleans 19. The Saints sent the blitz, but Burrow managed to escape, finding nothing but green grass in front of him. It was a 19 yard rushing TD for the former LSU standout. The Saints would add another field goal deep in Cincy territory. It was 20-14 Saints at the half.
The Saints would kick a field goal on each of their first two possessions to start the 2nd half. Both deep in Bengals territory. The defence was bending quite a bit, but holding firm at the end. Sandwiched between them was a Bengals TD. A 26 yard pass to Chase was the highlight of the drive, before he caught a 15 yard TD pass.
After a McPherson 52 yard field goal cut the lead down to 2 points, the Bengals got the ball back, looking to take the lead. This drive took next to no time at all. Only 13 seconds, in fact. Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase 10 yards down the field. He was then able to break a tackle and make another guy miss, running another 50 yards for the score. It was a 60 yard TD that put the Bengals in front. An unsuccessful 2 point attempt left the score at 30-26 for the Bengals.
Needing a TD, Andy Dalton was able to dink and dunk his way into Bengals territory. But on 3rd & 10, BJ Hill and Sam Hubbard were able to combine for a sack. It was a 7 yard loss on the play. On 4th & 17, Dalton’s pass attempt was broken up, allowing the Bengals to take a knee on the final play to run down the rest of the clock.
It was a bi win for the Bengals, who improved to 3-3. It was also a good day in the division. Though the Steelers won, the Browns lost, and the AFC North leading Ravens lost to the Giants. With the Ravens loss, both teams sit at 3-3 in a wide open division, while the Browns and Steelers are still hanging around at 2-4.
The Bengals will head back home next week, where they take on the Atlanta Falcons.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: Erik Drost (CC)