CINCINNATI — The Bengals defeated the Vikings 27-24 at Paycor Stadium on Saturday. Not only have they won three consecutive games, but they’ve also put themselves in position to make the playoffs for the third time in a row.
Although there is still work to be done, the Bengals now hold the No. 6 seed in the AFC. The following are our key takeaways from the overtime thriller:
Jakey Spinning Rate
On Saturday, Jake Browning appeared to return to earth. For the majority of the game, the Bengals failed to move the ball on offense.
They were behind 17-3 heading into the fourth quarter, and it appeared that a Minnesota defense that hadn’t surrendered a touchdown in over a month had the right formula to slow down Browning and the Bengals.
“Jakey Spin Rate” then came to life. In the fourth quarter, Browning guided the Bengals on three consecutive touchdown drives. They drove up and down the field, scoring on 75-yard, 74-yard, and 75-yard drives.
“Jake is just so consistent. He truly is. A poor play does not faze him. “He doesn’t overreact,” stated head coach Zac Taylor. “The interception is just one of many examples. In his fourth career start, he throws a pick—I believe it was a cover two and the cornerback was simply playing games with him to try to bait him into throwing it over the top—and then returns the following drive and throws a score. That’s what you want from your quarterback—someone who doesn’t get too high or too low. He has the ability to move on, which he did.”
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Browning is the only quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 75% (75.97%) of his throws and throw for 1,000 (1,180) yards in his first four starts.
“I feel like I need a beer, but I just had a cramping episode, so I’m probably going to pass,” Browning said after the game.
In the win, he completed 29 of 42 passes for 324 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
During their three-game winning streak, the Bengals have averaged 32 points per game. Browning has 953 yards throwing, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in that time.
Tee Higgins, Alpha
Higgins labored for most of the game until breaking out in the fourth quarter. The 24-year-old had four receptions for 61 yards and two scores, including a near-goal-line acrobatic grab.
Despite being tackled, he was able to stretch forward and get the ball over the pylon. Higgins’ four catches all came in the fourth quarter. After Ja’Marr Chase exited with a shoulder injury, he made the acrobatic touchdown reception.
“Receiver coach Troy came up to me and said, ‘it’s time to be the alpha,’ and I was able to do that and makes those plays,” Higgins told the media.
Higgins scored his first touchdown since Week 2 and shown that, despite rib and hamstring problems this season, he is still an outstanding receiver.
The offensive line performs admirably once more.
Browning was sacked four times, but the offensive line held up well, giving the 27-year-old plenty of time to pass.
The Vikings blitz frequently. Browning and the troops in the trenches handled the situation admirably.
Alex Cappa and Ted Karras should be commended for playing despite injuries. At the end of the first half, Karras hyperextended his elbow. Cappa seems to have injured his ankle. He was absent for one series but returned to the game.
The Bengals’ offensive line also helped the running game. The Bengals’ running backs averaged 4.44 yards per carry on 18 attempts, totaling 80 yards. Joe Mixon led all rushers with 47 yards on 10 attempts.
This line has performed admirably over the last month and continues to do so.
Getting Over Injuries
DJ Reader was out for the majority of Saturday’s game for the Bengals. Chase suffered a shoulder injury. Joe Burrow has been ruled out for the season.
Despite injuries to key members of their team, the Bengals found a way to win.
Despite not having Reader on the field, the defense came up with two crucial stops on third and fourth downs in overtime. Higgins was outstanding in the fourth quarter, and Tyler Boyd’s 44-yard catch and run helped seal the victory.
This Bengals team is tenacious, as evidenced by their performance on Saturday.
Shooters Fire
On the Bengals’ first possession of the game, Taylor called a trick play on 3rd-and-1. I didn’t like the choice at the time, especially since the offense was moving the ball and getting into a rhythm.
Regardless, I still want Taylor to call trick plays. I want him to be imaginative. They haven’t been working out in recent weeks, but it doesn’t mean he should give up on the tricks.
Shooters fire. Taylor must continue to shoot. One of these trick plays will work at some point, and it will most likely be in a game-changing situation.
Mac’s Money
Evan McPherson should be credited as well. On Saturday, he made both of his field goal attempts, including the game-winning 29-yarder. I know it’s a simple field goal, but he’s as reliable as any kicker in the league.
McPherson is 16-for-16 on 49-yard or shorter attempts. In addition, he is 34-for-34 on extra-point attempts. This season, he’s 7-of-12 from 50 yards or more. He has several game winners and deserves praise for his performance this year.
