CINCINNATI — Mike Gesicki experienced a moment of elation, sharing a celebratory “The Griddy” dance with Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone after his substantial contribution to the Bengals’ 41-24 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

Gesicki recorded two touchdown receptions, providing a significant boost to the Bengals as he finished the game with five catches for 100 yards, marking a new season-high. The Bengals, now at 4-5 for the season, played missing star wide receiver Tee Higgins due to a quad injury. Additionally, rookie wideout Jermaine Burton was unexpectedly sidelined, leaving the team in need of offensive support.

In a game where Joe Burrow and Chase required support from the passing game, Gesicki stepped up. Bengals coach Zac Taylor stated, “Gesicki is a guy we’ve been able to lean on. There was a point earlier this season where he wasn’t targeted much; that’s typical for this offense. Joe manages to distribute the ball based on the play designs, and Mike has really capitalized on his chances.”

This performance marked Gesicki’s first 100-yard game since October 17, 2021, while playing for the Miami Dolphins. He had eight receptions for 115 yards in a loss against Jacksonville. This game marked only the third time in his career that he reached the 100-yard receiving milestone, with his personal best being 130 yards achieved on September 20, 2020.

Burrow echoed optimism about Gesicki’s future contributions, saying, “Mike is going to keep making plays. He consistently finds himself open against zone coverage, wins his matchups, and secures important catches. His performances reinforce why I rely on him, and his role is set to grow.”

Burrow tied his personal best by throwing five touchdown passes during the match. Chase recorded seven catches for 43 yards, but his presence on the field drew significant defensive attention, positively impacting the game. Gesicki acknowledged that his 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter resulted from a defensive error on the part of the Raiders. “A lot of the credit goes toward Ja’Marr because of how much attention he garners,” said Gesicki. “Honestly, my wife could have been successful on that play. It was just a fake screen, and Joe delivered the pass perfectly.”

After catching his first touchdown of the season, a ten-yard reception extending the lead to 31-10 late in the third quarter, Gesicki celebrated with Chase by performing “The Griddy” dance. He repeated the dance after scoring his second touchdown.

Gesicki joined the Bengals on a one-year deal in March and had celebrated touchdowns with “The Griddy” before while in Miami, but feels his dance skills have improved since moving to Cincinnati.

Higgins is anticipated to return for the upcoming Thursday night AFC North match against the Baltimore Ravens. However, the Bengals might have to proceed without rookie tight end Erick All Jr., who sustained a right knee injury during the game against the Raiders.

After suffering a disappointing 37-17 loss to the Eagles the previous week, Cincinnati has rebounded, having won four out of their last six games after enduring a rough start with three consecutive losses.

While a playoff appearance seems uncertain, the victory over the Raiders improved Cincinnati’s chances slightly.
“There are definitely a couple of games we wish we could have had back, but we’re focusing on where we currently stand,” Gesicki remarked. “At 4-5, we’re gearing up for another divisional battle on Thursday, and I’m thankful for the chances we’re getting.”