Where has this Bengals team been hiding?
By Emile Pierce
The Cincinnati Bengals dug deep to score a victory against the Detroit Lions. Week 16 has fans scratching their heads for answers.
Cincinnati Bengals fans were expecting a lump of coal. They were ready for the same old worn out excuses and uninspired play of the past few weeks. But, what transpired at Paul Brown Stadium on Christmas Eve was a friendly reminder that there are still pros on this team. With the temptation to just hang it up and go through the motions, the Bengals pulled it together and produced a solid win for the last home game of the season.
With virtually nothing to play for, the Bengals did have the same start that earned them three straight losses. On their first four drives against the Lions, they looked like a team searching for answers.
The melody was familiar to the sparse crowd in attendance (47,732) and it became unbearable after Andy Dalton ended the Bengals best drive of the day with an interception. It was a nine play jewel that started at the Bengals’ 12-yard line but was thwarted by Quandre Diggs. That five-minute effort caused more than a few boos to rain down.
But, that wasn’t the beginning of the end. It was the end of passive play. After that Dalton interception, it seemed like the Lions would add to their 7-0 lead. Fortunately, the football gods gave grace to Cincinnati on a cold, overcast day.
Digging deep
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Just when it looked like Detroit was going to flex their muscles and put the game on cruise control. Vontaze Burfict stepped up. His return to the field sparked the defense and reminded the faithful in attendance and watching abroad that he goes all-out on every play.
After the Dalton INT, Detroit was in a crucial 3rd-and-2 near midfield. Theo Riddick caught a check down pass over the middle and looked like he was going to make the easy first down. Burfict flew in and smashed him behind the line…inches short of the yardage they needed to continue the drive.
Settling down
That’s when the tide turned. That’s the point when the Bengals realized this game could be won. It was only a matter of sticking with the game plan and executing to near perfection.
The Bengals didn’t give in. In the moments after that Burfict stop, the game had its highs and lows. But, the Bengals were able to follow the script laid out by offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and pull off the W. During the three-game slide prior to Week 16, Cincy had been in situations that made them dump the run and embrace the pass. But, this day, against the playoff-bound Lions, it was different.
Tackle Eric Winston explained, via Bengals.com.
"“I give Lazor credit. We thought we could win this type of game and the defense did a great job letting us do that. But, even when you get behind in the fourth quarter, even by a point, the urge is to toss it to get back in it. But we stuck with the run.”"
Like old times
The Bengals’ confidence soared, after that stop by Burfict. He eventually left the game with a shoulder injury. But, the fire he lit stayed on the field.
Cincinnati finally took the lead, in the third quarter, on a one-yard dump pass from Dalton to C.J. Uzomah. The seven-play, 75-yard drive was just what the doc ordered. It was a nice mixture of run and pass that kept the Lions’ defense guessing.
The Uzomah TD was a direct result of having the running game humming. Giovani Bernard was the workhorse of the day and made his presence felt. With 116 yards on the ground and another 52 receiving, Bernard reminded us all that he’s a beast when given the chance to shine.
A.J. Green made a few plays of his own. But, he was impressed with the effort given by his teammate.
"“It was unbelievable. Gio is one of the hardest workers. He doesn’t say much. He just puts his head down and works his butt off. He’s my locker mate so I’m always talking to him. One thing I admire about him is the way he works and goes about his business.”"
And that’s what the Bengals did. They took care of business like they used to. With the defense humming and offense making plays that it should, the question is simple. Where has this team been hiding?