A Zinzinnati Miracle: Week 3 Bengals Reaction

Cincinnati 34, Green Bay, 30:

In what was likely the most entertaining game of Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) shocked many fans by mounting a fourth quarter comeback against the Green Bay Packers (1-2).

Even after Terrance Newman's 58-yard fumble recovery put the Bengals ahead at 34-30 with 3:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, it seemed that the Packers and Aaron Rodgers would march down the field to win the game.

Honestly, it was a bizzaro-Bengals game, one I swear I've seen them lose twenty times. The Bengals scored two touchdowns twelve seconds apart in the first quarter by Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis to put them ahead 14-0. There was a lot of sloppy play, as both teams committed four turnovers. Later in the first half it seemed Cincinnati mistakes would put the game out of reach. Roger's touchdown pass to James Jones with 5:30 left in the third quarter put the Packers ahead 30-14, capping off a devastating 30-0 run.

Well, Andy Dalton (Yes, Andy Dalton) the Red Rifle decided to get a bit more aggressive and it paid off against a mediocre Packers defense. Consecutive touchdown throws to A.J. Green and Marvin Jones pulled the Bengals back to 30-27 with nearly eleven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

With four minutes left in the game, the Packers drove into Bengals territory and coach Mike McCarthy decided to go for it on a Fourth-and-1 play. The subsequent run up the gut by Packers RB Johnathan Franklin was squashed by the Bengals defense when Franklin fumbled and Newman went the other way for the game winning touchdown.

The fourth down would not have even been played if it wasn't for Marvin Lewis, who (for once) correctly challenged the ball spot of the previous play. A final Packers drive fell short after Rodgers was unable to complete a fourth-down conversion in Bengals territory, sealing a wild win.

April Fool's Day: Andy Dalton outplays Aaron Rodgers

Although Aaron Rodgers still stands as one of the best QBs in the league, he was constantly frustrated by the Bengals at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary. In the final two minutes of the game, Rodgers had three passes batted down by linemen. On the day, Rodgers went 26-of-43 with 244 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.

Sup... bro..

Dalton, on the other hand, was fantastic when given time in the pocket. Dalton still remains a terrible/questionable passer under blitz pressure, but he was great when he faced four or fewer pass rushers. Dalton went 11-of-13 in such scenarios. Dalton finished passing 20-of-28 with 235 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. While Rodgers averaged 5.7 yards throwing, Dalton averaged 8.4 and was able to get the ball to Green in the second quarter.

If Dalton can adjust to blitzes over the course of the season, there will be few weak spots on this team.

Red Zone Defense and Opportunistic Takeaways:

No No No (Dikembe Finger Wag)

Things looked very bleak for the Bengals in the second quarter when Cincinnati went through a five-drive sequence that ended in an interception, three straight fumbles, and a punt. Twice in the quarter, the Packers drove into the Bengal 20-yard line and could have easily put the game away. Instead, the defense held the Packers to two field goals. Those coupled with forced turnovers helped to overcome a sloppy first half from the Bengals offense. Tip of the cap to DC Mike Zimmer.

The fourth-and-1 play will likely be a highlight of the Bengals season.

Random Notes:

Giovani Bernard ran for 50 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown while Green-Ellis only gained 29 yards on the 10 carries he was given. Bernard also added 49 yards on four receptions. I began the season really wary that OC Jay Gruden would give Bernard an increased role in the offense right away, but it has become silly to consider the two rushers equal. Bernard should see an increased load soon as he develops passing-down chemistry with Dalton.

The last time a team won a game after giving up 30 straight points was Sept. 12 1999. And no, it wasn't a game the Bengals blew, if you were wondering.

The Bengals held Rodgers under 300 yards passing, extending their active league-record streak to 17 straight games. In week 2, Rodgers passed for 480 yards. I'll take it.

Check out ESPN's video on AJ Green's best one handed grabs.

If you told me the Bengals would be 2-1 after opening the season against Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay, I'd be thrilled. A friendly schedule is on the horizon so hopefully the Bengals take advantage of weaker opponents.

The awesome Vontaze Burfict had a stealthy sack tap that caused a bit of a fracas today...

AFC North Update:

With their win, Cincinnati is now tied with Baltimore (2-1) for first place in the North. Baltimore defeated Houston 30-9 in an impressive win, while Cleveland (1-2) also pulled out a tight 31-27 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In other news, the Steelers (0-3) fell to the hands of the Chicago Bears (3-0).

I miss Ohio 

The Bengals travel up I-71 next Sunday to take on the Browns in the Dog Pound.