CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals achieved a thrilling overtime victory against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, marking a significant moment in a season that has largely not met expectations. With this win, the Bengals improved their record to 8-8, marking their first four-game winning streak of the season and keeping their flickering playoff aspirations alive. The team also managed to secure a victory over a strong opponent, as their previous seven wins had come against teams with losing records.
Quarterback Joe Burrow delivered a standout performance, throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with just over a minute left in overtime, sealing the game at 30-24. This winning drive followed two crucial defensive stops by the Bengals, demonstrating their ability to clinch a close game, a feat that had eluded them earlier in the season where seven of their eight losses were by narrow margins.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed his belief in the team despite earlier disappointments. “We’ve known we had a good football team all along,” he stated. “And those (close) games are disappointing that we came up short, but they didn’t change our process. They didn’t change what our guys believed in.” Taylor emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence and the necessity of continuing their winning streak with aspirations of a fifth consecutive victory ahead.
While the chances for a playoff spot are slim, the Bengals need to secure a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season finale and also rely on favorable outcomes involving other contenders.
The Bengals are showing marked improvement as the season progresses. Burrow, despite facing relentless pressure from the Broncos’ defense, completed nearly 80% of his passes, accruing 412 yards and three touchdowns. This victory extended Burrow’s record to eight consecutive games with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, a remarkable achievement. Receiver Ja’Marr Chase was a standout as well, recording nine catches for 102 yards and positioning himself for a potential receiving triple crown this season.
However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the offensive line. Despite the return of starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., Burrow struggled to find a clean pocket, enduring seven sacks and fifteen hits during the game.
On the defensive side, the Bengals’ unit, often criticized throughout the season, stepped up when it mattered most. They forced two critical punts from the Broncos in overtime, paving the way for the Bengals’ game-winning drive. Linebacker Germaine Pratt made a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter, cutting short a potential Denver drive, which was noted by Taylor as an essential contribution.
Higgins had an impressive outing, catching 11 passes for 131 yards and being on the receiving end of all three of Burrow’s touchdown passes. Burrow acknowledged Higgins’ significant impact on the field, emphasizing how he elevates the team’s performance when in such stellar form.
On the downside, kicker Cade York, brought in earlier in December to replace the injured Evan McPherson, failed to convert a game-winning field goal attempt in overtime, as his 33-yard kick hit the left upright.
Injuries are a concern as well, with running back Chase Brown suffering an ankle sprain during a late-game play and offensive tackle Amarius Mims injuring his right hand.
As the Bengals round out the season, they will confront the Steelers next, a team that previously defeated them 44-38 on December 1. The Bengals hope to capitalize on their recent momentum and make a push towards the playoffs. The total yardage achieved by the Bengals against the Broncos reached an impressive 499 yards, a promising indicator of their offensive potential heading into the final games of the season.
