Coming off their first victory in week 3 against the Jets, the Bengals were looking to build some momentum at home in primetime. The undefeated Dolphins were coming to town, following some impressive victories of their own. As well, the Burrow vs Tua rematch was highly anticipated, after the two squared off in a shootout in college.
Just like last week, the Bengals received the opening kickoff, and were looking to get off to a quick start. Hayden Hurst was a big part of this drive, going for some nice pickups, and also drawing a 15 yard penalty to help move the chains. The drive lasted close to 5 minutes, and it was a 5 yard Joe Mixon run that capped it off, giving the Bengals an early 7-0 lead.
On Miami’s opening drive, they were slicing through the Bengals defence like butter. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both went for big gains, and Tua Tagovailoa was looking sharp. The Dolphins got to the Bengals 5 yard line, facing a 3rd & 4 situation. Tua found Edmonds in the endzone, but he dropped the pass. Miami elected to take the points, as opposed to going for it on 4th down. The Bengals defence bent, but did not break. 7-3.
A couple of drives later, Vonn Bell intercepted a deep ball that was intended for Hill. Unfortunately, the Bengals drove down to the Dolphins 24, but came up short on 4th & 1, turning it over on downs. Miami proceeded to drive down to Cincinnati’s 30, before the drive stalled. Sanders’ second field goal of the game made the score 7-6 for the home team.
On Miami’s next drive, QB Tua Tagovailoa was sacked by Josh Tupou and suffered what is now being called a head/back/shoulder injury. He had to be stretchered off the field. It is an unfortunate incident, and one that will likely be talked about for weeks to come, as people continue to question the handling of his injury from last week. With Bridgewater now in the game, the Dolphins picked up 16 yards on 3rd & 17. Their field goal attempt was then blocked by Jeffrey Gunter.
Later in the half, the Bengals started with good field position. Facing a 3rd & 11 and on the verge of going 3 and out, Burrow found Tee Higgins deep down the left sideline for a 59 yard score, making it 14-6 Bengals.
Teddy Bridgewater would lead Miami down the field before the half, however. Among others, he found Waddle, Hill, and Sherfield for solid gains. He then found Chase Edmonds for the 5 yard TD. The PAT went off the upright, and the Bengals led 14-12 at the half.
The two teams traded field goals a few drives into the second half. Funny enough, Sanders was good from 20, while McPherson hit from 19. Both teams were having trouble punching it in from the redzone. Later, McPherson drilled a 57 yarder, making the score 20-15 for the Bengals.
After a Vonn Bell interception put an end to a very promising Dolphins drive, the Bengals were looking to go up two scores. They started at the MIami 45, and the drive ended up being pretty quick thanks to a 36 yard pass from Burrow to Chase. Later, on 3rd & goal from the 2, Burrow found Hurst on the play action pass for the TD.
Down 27-15, the Dolphins had little time to try and claw their way back. Facing 4th down, Bridgewater’s pass intended for Tyreek Hill was broken up by Eli Apple, sealing the win for the Bengals.
The Bengals improve to 2-2, and will fly to Baltimore next week to face the Ravens in an important divisional primetime matchup on Sunday Night.
Homescreen Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)