Bengals Retake First Place With Win and Browns Loss
Nov 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and tight end Kevin Brock (83) during the third quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Bengals defeated the Saints 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
After a definitive win over the Saints, the Bengals have retaken the AFC North lead as the Browns simultaneously lost to the Texans today.
Andy Dalton looked like a different quarterback today compared to last week. He finished the afternoon 16/22 for 220 yards and three touchdowns. A.J. Green accounted for over half of Dalton’s yards with 127 of his own; Green added a touchdown to his day in the fourth quarter, which put the game out of reach. Dalton’s other two touchdowns went to Jermaine Gresham, one of which was a questionable touchdown pass at best.
The Bengals’ day was truly carried by the defense and Jeremy Hill as both had huge afternoons. The defense had an incredible day limiting the Saints’ potent offense to just 10 points on the day while the Saints only touchdown came early on in the fourth quarterback. The Bengals held Mark Ingram to just 67 yards on the day (2.9 yards/carry); Ingram is the league’s third leading yards/carry rusher (amongst running backs) at 4.8 yards/carry. Meanwhile, the Bengals held Drew Brees to 255 yards. They even dealt with Jimmy Graham well (the Benglas typically struggle with tight ends) holding him to just three catches 29 yards. The defense’s performance today was undoubtedly one of their best of the year.
On offense, Jeremy Hill carried the Bengals all day producing his second 150+ yard game on the year. Hill finished the day with 152 yards on 27 carries. He helped the Bengals gain favorable third down situations all day while helping the Bengals limit the Saints time with the ball.
Today’s win was vital for the Bengals as they now own the division lead once more; the Browns lost to the Texans today 23-7. More than that, the Bengals start their three-game road trip with a win.
Today’s win continues the AFC North’s onslaught of NFC South as the AFC North now has an 8-1-1 record over the NFC South on the year. The Bengals head to Houston next week. Hopefully the Bengals use the win as a momentum builder for the rest of the season as they seek their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.