Bengals Lose to Last Second Tucker FG

Date: October 11, 2022

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Cincinnati Bengals played Sunday night football at Baltimore. Both teams at 2-2 came out knowing with this win you will be the AFC North leader for at least one week.

It was a classic AFC North game. Both teams had momentum at different times. Ravens came out and got a TD and a FG within first 4 drives but the Bengals offense came back roaring and defense held steady to contain Lamar Jackson. The running game of the Bengals got better as the game moved on. From quarter 2 to the end good rhythm occurred with running which then created one on one opportunities in man coverage for the wide receivers. Chase was able to draw a couple penalties and make some key catches that helped the Bengals take a 1 point lead with just under 2 minutes remaining.

Earlier in the third quarter Bengals had a chance to tie the game 13 -13 with a chip shot FG but on fourth and 2 near the goal line they went for it and a botched play occurred. The type of play they did I would not have run for a 2 point conversion trying a flick pass. Bengals have too many good receivers and running backs that if you just run a couple slants then have the tight end curl you will get the 2-point conversion. Ravens got the ball at the 2 and then chewed up 8 minutes of clock and nailed a FG to go up 6.

In the 4th quarter Bengals get the TD late in the game and made the extra point. If the Bengals would have tied the game at 13 -13 instead of going for 2 in the third quarter lets say Ravens get that FG in the third and are up 3 instead of 6 points. This would have allowed the Bengals to go up 4 and be up 17 – 13 instead of the actual score of 17 -16. That would have forced Tucker to not be able to kick a game winner and force Lamar to have to get a TD to win. However, Tucker got within his range and nailed a game winner. They might have got this win but next time they are in the jungle and Bengals will get the W.

Positives are the Bengals run game got into a nice rhythm vs Cover 2 defense and they saw the rewards when the Ravens had to go out of zone coverage and play man which started the passing game to get in a groove. After these first 5 games the offensive line is learning to play together and getting better every game. Schemes for running and play action passing are getting better. Bengals play at Saints, home vs Falcons, at Browns, and home vs Panthers before the BYE week. After the bye they head to Pittsburg to play the Steelers where I think we will get a W this time around. I believe we are about to hit our stride and make a good win streak and pull off these next 5 as Ws putting our record at 7 – 3. After that happens we face Titans, Chiefs, Browns, Buccaneers, Patriots, Bills, and Ravens. In that stretch even if Bengals go 4-3 that puts them at 11 – 6. This would get them into the playoffs again and be able to make another run at the Super Bowl. Before that happens take it one week at a time. Next up we head to New Orleans and possibly see Andy Dalton start to play vs Bengals.

Let’s get the W!!!

WHO DEY!!!