Quarterback Jake Browning confirms the starting position for the Bengals in a crushing victory against the Colts.
Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) – Indianapolis Colts (7-6): 34-14
The beautiful story is confirmed for Jake Browning (18/24, 275 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int). The Bengals quarterback, holder since Joe Burrow's injury, continues to impress. Author of a solid match against the Colts, he maintains hope for Cincinnati to reach the playoffs. Well helped by the running game and a defense capable of dazzling performances, the young player easily led his team to victory.
As for the Colts, everything needs to be reviewed if the team still hopes to extend its season beyond the month of January. Gardner Minshew (26/39, 240 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int) did not convince. However, the Colts had a phenomenal end to the second quarter. Trailing 14-0, they managed to come back to the score in less than two minutes. But upon returning from the locker room, the team was only a shadow of itself, both offensively and defensively.
Colts bounce back before halftime
The start of the match sets the tone. First action for Minshew and already a sack. Three small attempts and then off to Indianapolis. On the other side of the leather, Cincinnati isn't off to a strong start either. The offense returns the ball on punt after three plays.
Back in the offensive series, Indianapolis gets stuck. Cincinnati, on the other hand, started its match with a sensational 54-yard pass which allowed Chase Brown (8 races, 25 yards – 3 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD) to reach the end goal. Seven to nothing halfway through the first quarter.
It's Chase scoring TDs in Cincy! Chase Brown, that is.
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Bad luck for the Colts who want to respond as best they can. After a good breakthrough, Indianapolis attempts the field goal. But kicker Matt Gay bounces the ball off the left post. Missed. On defense, the Colts sabotage themselves after forcing the Bengals to shoot a field goal. Two nasty mistakes from Indianapolis gave Cincy the opportunity to take a lead, a few meters from the end zone. Joe Mixon (21 races, 79 yards, 1 TD) makes it happen with a one-yard run. 14-0 for the Ohio franchise.
Two minutes before half-time, Minshew finally unlocked his team's counter. A pass on fourth attempt for a touchdown from Mo Alie-Cox (1 reception, 2 yards, 1 TD) is the key. But definitely, the kicking game is not good today. Matt Gay misses the transformation: 14-6.
However, the horseshoe franchise does not admit defeat. Jake Browning immediately throws a pick six on linebacker Ronnie Harrison (3 tackles, 1 Int).
And Minshew takes advantage with a successful two-point conversion. Parity score just before half-time. Indianapolis caught up well.
Cincinnati takes off without looking back
Returning from the locker room, Browning makes a series of good passes. Until offering the first touchdown of his career to his tight end Hudson (2 receptions, 21 yards, 1 TD). Opposite, Minshew is skating. And the tabby quarterback continues to impress with a short rushing touchdown. Once again, Cincinnati takes the lead. 28-14 shortly before the end of the third quarter.
A hand cramp kept Browning off the field for a time. AJ McCaron returns and makes his return to the NFL, in a franchise he left six years ago. Despite an ideal position, within reach of the end zone after a punt covered by the Bengals special unit, the replacement quickly gives way to his kicker. Cincinnati pushes with a seventeen length lead.
The ordeal continues for the Colts attack. Minshew drops the ball after a well-placed shot from Trey Hendrickson. BJ Hill lunges at the ball in the air and intercepts.
Then, the Bengals offensive squad eases off the accelerator a little. But the defense continues to do a great job and prevents Indianapolis from trying anything. 34-14 will be the final score. A logical victory for the Bengals, still in the running for a place in the playoffs. Hard blow on the other hand for the Colts who see their hopes of extending the season reduced.
