Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) and wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) celebrate on the bench with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) after Hubbard runs back a stripped ball for a 98-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bengals advanced to the Divisional round of the playoffs with a 24-17 win over the Ravens. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 342
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football, with very little going wrong. However, a few factors contributed to the victory being more difficult than necessary. In addition, a few of the problems that have surfaced during the year are still present.
These three depressing stats from Cincinnati’s victory over the Bills are something the Bengals should eventually address.
3 points off of turnovers
Josh Allen was intercepted by cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt in the second quarter. It was worse than that, too bad the Bengals offense was unable to do anything with it.
Buffalo had a 23-yard line on a third-and-one play for Cincinnati. After one false start, one holding, and one sack, the drive was over.
Evan McPherson backed up and got ready to try a field goal, but before the snap, he was called for a false start. With their defense bolstered even more, the Bengals were forced to insert Brad Robbins into the game, who punted for 33 yards and put Buffalo’s offense inside their 10-yard line.
They were not harmed by that specific sequence in this game. But as the season progresses and the games get closer and more nerve-wracking, Cincinnati’s offense needs to make the most of the opportunities the defense presents.
The team was under unnecessary stress during the game against the Bills, which was closer than it needed to be. The objective is always seven points, but even three points could have altered the course of the match.
Conversely, Cincinnati orchestrated an extended and persistent 85-yard march subsequent to Germaine Pratt inducing a mistake, which culminated in a McPherson field goal. While it was disappointing not to score a touchdown in that situation, it was not as depressing as completing a drive past the field goal line after reaching the opponent’s 23.
