Facing their toughest task of the season, the Bengals took on the Kansas City Chiefs at home, in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game. It was hard fought on both sides of the ball, but the Bengals were able to pull through to get the victory.
The Good:
- LB, Germaine Pratt
Pratt had a solid game, all around, but it was his forced fumble that had a huge impact on the outcome of the game. The Chiefs had the ball, already up a score. It took Pratt multiple attempts to pry the ball loose from Travis Kelce, but he finally succeeded before completing the play with the recovery. It is yet another clutch play on the resume of Germaine Pratt.
- QB, Joe Burrow
Speaking of clutch, I could just mention that last 3rd down throw and be done talking. But Burrow played well throughout the game, using his legs when needed to, and showing off pinpoint accuracy at all levels of the field. 286 yards passing and 2 TD’s for Burrow on the day.
- RB, Samaje Perine
Perine once again filled in admirably for the injured Joe Mixon. He didn’t pop any into the secondary, but he was just consistent through and through. He totaled 106 rushing yards and averaged 5 per carry. The definition of wearing down the defence. Perine also added 49 yards in the passing game.
- WR, Ja’Marr Chase
Chase looked healthy in his first game back from injury. He was explosive and made the kind of plays we have come to expect from him. Chase made 7 catches for 97 yards. The long was a 40 yard catch and run.
- DE’s, Sam Hubbard & Trey Hendrickson
The two edge rushers made things consistently tough on Patrick Mahomes. Though Hendrickson didn’t end up on the stat sheet, Hubbard came away with a sack, and both were able to create a lot of pressure off the edge.
- The Offensive Line
The o-line keeps improving as the year progresses. This one was a true five man effort, and all deserve credit. Jonah Williams has shown a lot of improvement after some mid-season struggles. Collins has also settled in after an up and down start to the year. Cordell Volson has not looked like a rookie in recent weeks, despite going up against some of the best pass rushers in the league. Ted Karras and Alex Cappa continue to be as consistent as ever. They have been great since day 1.
- DE, Joseph Ossai
Ossai played rotationally against the Chiefs. He didn’t flood the stat sheet, but his sack came at a huge moment in the game, and helped get the defence off of the field. It is good to see Ossai taking steps forward.
- CB’s, Eli Apple & Cam Taylor-Britt
The CB’s were lockdown for the most part. Neither one of them allowed much at all in coverage. That is impressive in any game, but is even more so when done against Mahomes. Further, it is great to see them holding down the fort with Awuzie lost for the year. Taylor-Britt struggled in his first few games, but seems to be turning the corner, which is very encouraging for the long term outlook of this defence.
- RB, Chris Evans
Evans didn’t play much, but he took advantage of his one opportunity, catching a pass for a TD. After Treyveon WIlliams saw more looks last week, there was thought that Evans might have fallen down on the depth chart. Even if it was only one play, he needed a positive.
The Bad:
- WR, Tyler Boyd
Boyd makes it on this list for his dropped TD. Burrow put the ball right in the bucket, but Boyd let it go off his face and fall incomplete. It is not a concern going forward, as it was only Boyd’s second drop in as many years. But it could have had a huge impact on this game, with it being so close.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)