Bengals Win Wild Card Round

Date: Tuesday January 17, 2023

Writer: Anthony Iles

This first round playoff game on Wild Card weekend was a classic AFC North battle between the Bengals and Ravens. It was the 3rd time this season playing against one another and it was the second time in back-to-back weeks going head-to-head. the first game this season when Bengals played at Ravens the offensive line of the Bengals were still learning their chemistry. Bengals got the lead late by 1 but the Ravens had about a minutes left and Tucker kicked a 50 yard FG to win by 2 winning 19-17. In game 2 last week the Bengals faced the Ravens and their 3rd string QB as 2nd string QB Huntley was injured. Bengals won 27-16.

This 3rd matchup had more at stake as it was the first round of the NFL Playoffs for the Wild Card Round. Ravens 2nd string QB Huntley was able to play in this game as Lamar Jackson continued to sit our because of his pcl sprain in his knee. This was a classic AFC North battle. They are always tough as the defenses are top defenses in the league and the teams know one another so well. Bengals were focused and knew the game would be a grind-out game. Ravens would run a lot with some play action plays. This style drains the clock and limits the possessions each team will get. Bengals were down 10-9 at halftime because there was a missed extra point at the beginning of the game. At the end of the 3rd quarter and beginning of the 4th Bengals and Ravens would be tied at 17 -17. The scenario now is who can play the best and capitalize in the 4th quarter. With Joe B and company along with the defense there was no doubt in my mind the Bengals would prevail.

In the 4th quarter the biggest play of the game came when the Ravens moved the ball and got to the 4 yard line. On 3rd and goal Huntley tried a QB sneak and jump over the top of the defense. That was a bad decision as the defense held Huntley upright with Pratt in the middle stonewalling him and Wilson punched the ball out causing a fumble. The ball landed in Hubbard’s hands. He took the ball and ran it back 98 yards for the longest fumble recovery touchdown in playoff history!!! This will go down as one of the best defensive plays in Bengals history. Bengals now have the lead 24-17 with 11 minutes remaining. Ravens had to begin passing more as it did not work out well as the Bengals defense locked in and forced Ravens to punt. Bengals were not able to score but were able to put Ravens in tough field positions after punting 2 more times. At the very end Huntley had a chance of a Hail Mary but they came up short and the Bengals win in a classic hard fought AFC North battle.

Next up for the Bengals will be the matchup many have been waiting for, Bills vs Bengals on Sunday at 3:00 P.M. on CBS. Bengals are on a 9 game winning streak now. This will be a great game and the Bengals will have a good game plan to get the W and get back to the AFC championship game. The Chiefs will host the Jaguars at 4:30 P.M. on Sunday on NBC. If the Jaguars are able to get the W and the Bengals get the W the Bengals will host the Jaguars at home for the AFC Championship game! If the Chiefs win and Bengals win then the Bengals will head back to Arrow Head Stadium like last season to play the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.

Let’s go Bengals!!

Who Dey!!!!!