Cincinnati Bengals (5-3) – Buffalo Bills (5-4): 24-18
The Bengals did not panic. Not even when Buffalo came back to six lengths with 3mn32 to play. The attack took the ball, Joe Burrow (31/44, 348 yards, 2 TDs) found Tyler Boyd (3 rec, 56 yards) on 32 yards to start the offenseand the rest of the time was quietly eaten up.
A conclusion reflecting the image of the evening: Cincinnati returned the blows while always remaining in front, much more in control than an irregular Buffalo team. Above all, the Bills missed too many opportunities.
The Bengals start strong
Joe Burrow’s calf problems are definitely forgotten. He showed it from the first drive this Sunday, with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Irv Smith (3 rec, 26 yards, 1 TD). Josh Allen (26/38, 258 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) immediately responds on the ground for the equalizer (7-7). The start of the game is exciting, because Cincinnati continues with another touchdown (14-7), this time by Joe Mixon (14 races, 37 yards, 1 TD).
After the start with a bang, things calm down and the defenses tighten up the game. Allen is intercepted in his own half. But the Bills defense responds to limit the damage behind and force a punt. Five offensive series in a row do not result in points.
It’s Drew Sample (3 rec, 30 yards, 1 TD) who breaks the silence with a 22-yard reception for a touchdown. Tee Higgins (8 rec, 110 yards) is the engine of the attack, Joe Burrow is precise and Cincinnati takes off just before the break (21-7).
Dalton Kincaid and the Bills miss the boat
Buffalo gets closer on the way back from the locker room (21-10). And Buffalo’s defense continues to hold on, especially on a fourth attempt. At the start of the last quarter, Josh Allen and his attack are 22 yards from the opposing goal. But Dalton Kincaid (10 rec, 81 yards), rather productive until then, loses the ball after a reception. Disaster. Especially since Cincinnati scores on the foot in stride (24-10).
The match regains some rhythm. Stefon Diggs (6 rec, 86 yards, 1 TD) finds the end zone, with a two-point conversion as a bonus (24-18). But the Cincinnati attack therefore managed to eat up the rest of the clock.
The Bengals never trailed in this game. They logically record their fourth victory in a row. With a rediscovered Joe Burrow and a defense that is gaining strength, they are more than ever among the contenders.
