Looking back at the Cincinnati Bengals 2012 Season – Week 3
By John Post
After a Week 2 win against the Cleveland Browns, 34-27, the Bengals are heading to the nation’s capital to play the Washington Redskins and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III (RG3). Dating back to the 1988 season the Bengals are 4-1 against the ‘Skins, which includes winning the last three times they have gotten together. Cincinnati is able to jump out to a big halftime lead, but would the defense be able to hold on for the win?
September 23, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs the ball on a reverse against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
For the second straight week the Bengals are able to score on their first possession of the game. As the offense comes to the line of scrimmage, their own 27 yard line, quarterback Andy Dalton is lined up as a wide-out on the right side and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu is lined up in the shotgun position. Sanu takes the snap and throws a deep pass over the middle to A.J. Green. Green catches the ball around the Washington 31 yard line and runs the rest of the way into the end zone. Seventeen seconds into the game and the Bengals lead 7-0.
On Washington’s first possession they are able to pick up two first downs before defensive end Michael Johnson sacks Griffin to slow down the Redskins offense. Two plays later Washington punts the ball down the Bengals one yard line. BenJarvus Green-Ellis picks up one yard on first down, but on second down Andy Dalton is picked off by Rob Jackson of the Redskins for a Washington touchdown, tying the score at seven. Things settle down a little after the interception and the two teams exchange punts before the Bengals are able to put a drive together for another touchdown.
After losing eight yards on first down, Dalton is able to scramble for 17 yards, giving the Bengals a third and one from midfield. On third and one, Hawkins goes around the left end for eleven yards and a big first down. Two plays later Andy Dalton hits Armon Binns on the left side for a 48 yard catch and run touchdown, putting the Bengals back on top 14-7. Cincinnati’s defense is able to force another punt, bringing an end to the first quarter.
Sept 23, 2012; Landover,MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) sacks Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
On the first Bengals possession of the second quarter they are able to go 69 yards on 14 plays, but fail to get any points after they are stopped on a fake field goal attempt. Once again the defense is able force the Redskins to punt and the Bengals take six plays and kick a Mike Nugent 47 yard field goal, making the score 17-7. The Bengals defense is able to recover a Robert Griffin fumble after he is sacked by Carlos Dunlap at the Washington 12 yard line. Green-Ellis runs in for a one yard touchdown after an A.J. Green 11 yard run, giving the Bengals a 24-7 lead. Washington is able to kick a field goal before halftime bringing the score to 24-10.