Bengals Get Big Win in Season Opener

Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) catches a two point conversation over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Asa Jackson (25) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Baltimore Ravens 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

They almost blew a 15-0 lead in the second half but AJ Green and Andy Dalton did it again connecting for 77 yards. That touchdown was enough to push the Bengals over the top and earn Andy Dalton his first win at Baltimore in his 4 years. The Bengals pulled out a 23-16 victory on Sunday to go 1-0 in this very young season.

Mike Nugent did all of the scoring in the first half with 5 field goals and the longest from 49 yards. The offense couldn’t find a way into the end zone but the defense held Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense in check. It wasn’t until the Ravens scored 3 times in a row, a 17 yard run, a field goal, and 80 yard pass, that the Ravens found themselves with their first lead. The 2 point conversion failed and they only held a 1 point advantage.

The Bengals were able to make plays and regain the advantage on the AJ Green 77 yard reception. The defense held on and the Bengals are 1-0 on the early season and in the division. The Defense was solid as they got to Flacco 3 times and had 7 pass deflections and 1 interception.

Vontaze Burfict left with a concussion in the second quarter and did not return. He did have 4 tackles in that short time and a forced fumble and recovery. Reggie Nelson led the team with 7 tackles, 3 assists, and .5 sacks. Emmanuel Lamur contributed with an interception, 5 tackles, and 6 assists.

On offense AJ Green led with a touchdown and 6 receptions for 131 yards. Giovani Bernard contributed with 14 rushes for 48 yards and 6 catches for 62 yards. Andy Dalton completed 25 of 38 passes and 301 yards and a touchdown. Dalton avoided the dreaded interception bug that had plagued him the past 3 years in Baltimore.

The Bengals are off to a strong start and will head home to face a stronger Atlanta Falcons team, who are coming off a win against the New Orleans Saints at home. The Bengals will look to carry over their regular season home success from last season into this season.