Bengals Ground Falcons, 24-10
Sep 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) in the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons 24-10 this afternoon earning themselves an early season divisional lead at 2-0. The win means the Bengals have extended their home, regular-season winning streak to 10 games. It was a convincing win by the Bengals who managed to hold the dangerous Falcons’ offense in check by getting pressure on quarterback Matt Ryan. They didn’t allow the quarterback, who set a franchise record for single game passing yards last week, to sit back and pick them apart. When Ryan completed passes to his many targets, the Bengals displayed solid tackling to limit the YAC. They were their typical “bend but not break” selves on defense and put their offense in position to win this game yet again.
In the first half, the Bengals offense looked exactly as it did last week by being able to move the ball down the field while being unable to get the ball into the end zone largely. In this game, Mike Nugent wasn’t nearly as effective as he was against the Ravens; Nugent missed three FGs on the day. The offense gathered themselves in the second half and recommitted to the run inside the red zone allowing themselves to get the ball into the end zone. Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill tore up the Falcons defense en route to the victory while Dalton continued his solid play finishing the day 15/23 for 252 yards and a TD. Most importantly, Dalton avoided any turnovers once again as he continues his “clean streak” that began at the beginning of this preseason.
The Bengals managed to pull out the victory even while suffering numerous injuries on the day. Vontaze Burfict was in and out of the game all day after taking a few hits to the head and suffering a stinger after he took an incidental knee to his upper back/neck area. A.J. Green left the game early after reaggravating a toe injury he dealt with all week and Kevin Zeitler, Brandon Thompson, and Alex Smith were all ruled out at some point during the game; Andrew Whitworth also left the field at one point albeit briefly.
Either way, it was a successful day for the Bengals after coming away with the win. It is the first time during the “Andy Dalton era” the Bengals have started a season 2-0. As the week progresses we’ll see if there is any long-term costs to this victory–in the form of injuries–but for now fans, enjoy the Bengals taking their place atop the division while each other divisional opponent stands at 1-1.
Look to Stripe Hype the rest of the week for game analysis and news updates.