The Bengals needed a win on Saturday to stay alive, and they got it. There were certainly some tense moments, but the offensive stars stepped up when they were needed most, while the defence also came up clutch in OT.
The Good:
WR, Tee Higgins
Higgins was the star in this one. Seemingly every time the Bengals needed someone to step up, he was there to answer the call. On a day where Burrow attempted 49 passes, Higgins racked up 11 catches for 131 yards and 3 TD’s. He consistently was making clutch plays to move the chains, and his third TD was the game winner in OT.
WR, Ja’Marr Chase
Though overshadowed by Higgins, Chase still put up great numbers, and was also a big part of the team’s win. He was able to turn his 9 catches into 102 yards, and formed a nice one-two punch with Higgins.
QB, Joe Burrow
Burrow had one of his trademark games, en route to an OT win. He attempted a staggering 49 passes, completing 39 of them for 412 yards and 3 TD’s. The star QB was under pressure all game. He took his fair share of sacks, but continued to battle, while also making a lot of plays off script. His accuracy and timing was as good as ever. In addition to his great work through the air, Burrow added 25 yards and a TD on the ground.
TE, Mike Gesicki
On a day where Higgins and Chase put up the numbers they did, you wouldn’t expect a third target to put up significant stats. However, in this game, there was room for a third guy, and Gesicki made the most of his chances. He caught 10 balls for 86 yards, and was also able to move the chains on multiple occasions.
LB, Germaine Pratt
Pratt had a bounce back game after some rough weeks preceding this one. He was solid in both phases, and his interception halted any momentum that the Broncos might have been building up after a Bengals fumble on the previous drive.
DE, Cedric Johnson
Johnson got a fair bit of playing time in this one. He showed some flashes, and on one occasion, was able to chase down Bo Nix from behind for a sack.
OT’s, Orlando Brown & Devin Cochran
Brown was the team’s best offensive lineman, showing out well in both the pass game and run game. He was consistent throughout, something that the Bengals surely appreciate from their LT.
Cochran filed in at RT after Mims left, and had himself a solid outing. He did allow a sack, but at least was half decent in pass protection, overall. In the run game, he played quite well, especially considering his lack of experience. It looks as though the Bengals might have found themselves a solid depth piece in the long run.
The Bad:
G, Alex Cappa
Cappa’s bad season continues. His run blocking was probably a bit below average, but in pass protection, he was a complete liability from start to finish. The 2 sacks he allowed are bad on their own, but the consistent pressure he was allowing from the inside is an even bigger cause for concern.
G, Cody Ford
Ford, starting at LG, wasn’t much better than Cappa, though maybe the biggest concern is that he was better than Cappa at all. In any event, Ford allowed his fair share of pressure, but not as much as Cappa. Still, he did manage to have 2 sacks charged against him. Perhaps we see Volson back at LG in week 18.
Redzone Offence
The redzone offence had some struggles early in the game, and these issues have persisted at various points throughout Zac Taylor’s tenure as coach. The first one technically was just outside, at the 22 yard line, but the point remains. Turning it over on down there, then inside the 5, is not something that should be happening with this offence. In a game that ended up going to OT, mistakes like that were a huge swing.
K, Cade York
York had the chance to kick the game winner in OT. Like an extra point, it was from 33 yards out. However, the recent signing doinked it off the left up right. Luckily, the Bengals got another chance. But inside the 5 yard line, they did not give York another chance at a chip shot. Instead, Burrow found Higgins for the game winner.
S, Geno Stone & Jordan Battle
On one of the Bronco deep TD’s the receiver was able to split the two safeties right down the middle for a wide open catch. Stone was the one to be officially charged with giving up the TD, but both guys have to be more aware in this instance. Beyond this play, neither were at the top of their game. Neither one played particularly well in coverage, and Battle missed a couple of tackles.
