The Bengals opened their season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last season’s defensive struggles proved too much for a potent offence to overcome. So the offseason saw them roll with continuity on offence, while giving the defence somewhat of an overhaul. This was the first chance to see the effect of those decisions.
Their start was a little bit rocky, as the Buccaneers were able to move the ball quite well on the game’s opening drive. However, a stand in the redzone held them to just a field goal. The Bengals then went 3 and out on their opening drive, and punted the ball back to them.
After this poor start, things quickly picked up. Myles Murphy and Barrett Carter combined on a strip sack. And when the ball hit the ground, Demetrius Knight was there to quickly scoop it up and take it 27 yards for a TD.
7-3 Bengals.
The fun continued on the next series. New Bengal Bryan Cook forced a fumble, which was recovered by fellow new addition, Boye Mafe. Working with a short field, a 12 yard strike from Joe Burrow to Andrei Iosivas got the ball rolling. They eventually ended up at the 2 yard line, where Burrow was able to hit Mike Gesicki on the slant. He hit the ground just shy of the goal line, but was able to roll in before being touched.
14-3 Bengals.
Tampa went on a long drive in response to going down two scores. Now inside the redzone, Mayfield escaped pressure and took off for a 1st down. Approaching the end zone, Barrett Carter looked to bring him down short. In the process, he forced another fumble. It was the third straight drive with a forced fumble for the defence, and they were now 3/3 with recoveries. Cook was the one to jump on it.
Off the turnover, the Bengals offence went to work. This was a long drive, and a 3rd down completion to Samaje Perine prevented it from being a 3 and out. Ja’Marr Chase made his first appearance, catching a pass for 16 yards. Later, it was Tee Higgins for 12 and Drew Sample for another 11. With 1st & goal at the 5, Chase Brown took the handoff up the gut and found his way into the end zone.
21-3 Bengals.
The Buccaneers closed the gap, however. They had been moving the ball well at times, despite the turnovers. This one was a 75 yard drive, which saw a handful of modest gains, along with a 30 yard catch by Godwin. It was a 10 yard run by Irving that got them into the end zone. They cut into the lead, but the Bengals would add another 3 points before the end of the half, with Evan McPherson hitting a chip shot 20 yard field goal.
24-10 Bengals at the half.
The Bengals received the 2nd half kickoff and were able to take advantage of the double possession, with McPherson making a 55 yard field goal. But it was Tampa who won the 3rd quarter. McLaughlin answered with a 51 yard field goal of his own, before Trotter jumped a Burrow pass and was able to take it 38 yards, untouched, back for a TD.
Now, the Bengals lead was down to one possession. 27-20.
Despite the reduced gap, the Bengals always felt like they were in control of this one. A 58 yard McPherson field goal restored the two score lead. Then, a fourth forced fumble/fumble recovery led to a 32 yarder for McPherson. Mafe and TJ Slaton combined for the forced fumble/recovery.
33-20 Bengals.
The Buccaneers were persistent, adding a late TD to give themselves a chance. A big return set them up near midfield, and it was Mayfield who was eventually able to scramble in for a 5 yard TD.
Tampa needed a stop to get another chance to either tie the game or win it, but Cincinnati never gave them that chance. Dohnte Meyers got the drive going with an 18 yard catch and run. Perine added a 14 yard catch on the next play. An 18 yarder to Tee Higgins showed their continued aggressiveness. They were going for the win. Now inside the redzone, a Burrow QB sneak on 3rd & 1 officially iced the game.
33-27 Bengals, final.
The Bengals start the year at 1-0. The offence looked good, and the defence, while not perfect, very much looked improved. They will travel to Houston for week 2 to take on the Texans.
