NFL
Cincinnati Bengals Survive Shootout at Home Against High-Flying Buccaneers
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-34 in a thrilling matchup on Sunday. As time ran out, Bengals kicker Randy Bullock sealed the win with a 44-yard field goal. It was a close call for the Bengals, as they were up by 18 points through three quarters. Most importantly, they maintained second place in the AFC North with the Week 8 win. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, enter Week 9 with another loss and unresolved doubts at quarterback.
Winston’s Nightmare
Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston had a horrific outing against the Bengals. He completed just 18 of 35 passing attempts for 276 yards, a touchdown, and 4 interceptions. Winston was also sacked five times and looked sloppy and erratic throughout the game. What really made matters worse for Winston, though, was getting benched for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Winston’s problem became Tampa’s ray of hope.
Enter Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick was brought into the game after Winston threw a pick-six. His fourth quarter appearance marked a return of the “Fitzmagic” we saw at the start of the season. Fitzpatrick finished the game with 194 passing yards from 11/15 attempts for two touchdowns. Trailing 34-16 when he entered the game, Fitzpatrick connected with O.J. Howard for an 18-yard touchdown on fourth down to move the score within 2 points. He then tied the game with a two-point conversion pass.
Fitzpatrick seemed to energize the team’s defense as well. Cincinnati had its way on offense for the first three quarters, but could only manage three points in the fourth. Fortunately for the Bengals, those three points happened to seal the win.
Cincinnati’s Big Day on Offense
The Bengals seemed to be able to do what they wanted on offense for most of the game. QB Andy Dalton completed 21 of 34 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Tyler Boyd had a big day with 9 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown. A.J. Green added 76 yards on 5 catches with a touchdown as well. Running back Joe Mixon also had a good day on the ground. Mixon ran the ball 21 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive Concerns
Despite their offensive success, the Bengals defense still surrendered an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter. That will almost certainly make the offense feel like no lead is safe. Even though the defense picked off Jameis Winston four times, the Buccs still finished the game with 450 passing yards. The Bengals also gave up 126 yards on the ground. Defensive consistency is something Cincinnati needs to fix for a chance to win the AFC North.
Looking Ahead
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers now look to a division matchup on the road, as they face the Carolina Panthers in Week 9. The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, gain some much needed rest with a Week 9 bye.
Photo Credit: Sam Greene via Flickr
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