NFL Week 8: Bengals slip past Colts to stay in playoff hunt

The Cincinnati Bengals squeaked past the Indianapolis Colts, in a Week 8 nail-biter. The win keeps Cincinnati in the hunt for a playoff berth.

The talk had been all about the Bengals taking it to the Colts, all week. For the most part, the game was basically given to Cincinnati in a gift-wrapped box and the matchup didn’t need to be played. But, instead of the blowout that was expected, Indianapolis showed up ready to play. The Bengals found themselves in a dogfight that took on the form of a brawl. Yet, they were able to prevail 24-23.

If you’re wondering why the game was so close, the same can be said for other Bengals faithful. The Colts came into Week 8 banged up and barely able to field a first-string team on offense or defense. But, the backups made the most of their opportunities and took the Bengals to the limit.

Colts quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, looked like a world-beater against the Bengals’ defense. He was able to find Frank Doyle for 12 receptions and 121 yards. One of his two TDs was pulled in by the big tight end. 

But, eventually, his luck ran out and the football gods smiled on the Bengals. With a little less than seven minutes remaining on the clock, Brissett dropped back to pass on a 2nd-and-6 from the Colts 24-yard line. The pass was tipped, juggled and intercepted by Carlos Dunlap. The Bengals’ defensive end did his best impersonation of a running back and took it to the house for a pick-6.

Keeping Afloat 

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Andy Dalton struggled to stay on his feet, against a blitzing defense that suddenly found its teeth. The poor play of the Bengals’ O-line resulted in three sacks and loads of scrambling from the pocket. But, miraculously, Dalton ended the day with a 108.8 QBR and 2 TDs.

The win helped the Bengals keep pace with the rest of the AFC North. At 3-4, they find themselves still in the thick of the division but have to get ready for a long road grind against three AFC playoff contenders. The first stop comes in Jacksonville. After struggling with the Colts, that matchup will be interesting. The Jaguars shredded Indy 27-0 in Week 7.

At this point, a W is welcome any way the Bengals can get it. Dunlap’s heroics in the fourth quarter were a welcome relief for a team that was on the brink of disaster.

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And Carlos. How did he feel about the game-winning INT?

"“We were ready for the quick throw because they were scared of our rush. We’ve got great pass rushers, so I tried to do the next best thing. Obviously, I would love to rush. But, when I see an opportunity to get my hands up and get them on the ball, I want to capitalize.”"

Dunlap did more than capitalize. He pulled victory from the jaws of defeat.