The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27–24 in overtime, a game that required the efforts of every player, coach, and supporter to win. Jake Browning put up yet another outstanding effort for the Bengals, going 28-42 for 324 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. But with 0:39 remaining in regulation, wide receiver Tee Higgins produced the play of the year, taking the game to a new level with a 21-yard touchdown score. Higgins’s second touchdown of the game came at the perfect moment to maintain Cincinnati’s hopes of making the playoffs. Ja’Marr Chase, an All-Pro wide receiver for the Bengals, left the game with an AC joint.
The Bengals have always viewed Higgins as one of the best receivers in the NFL and a player who can carry the team if needed. One of Higgins’s best qualities is his jump ball prowess and the ability to high-point the ball against defenders. This was evident in the play that extended the game and was the best catch of Higgins’s career.
The connection between Browning and Higgins seems to be heating up in critical moments for this Bengals team. What stands out about Browning is his willingness to let his receivers make plays. He’s not shy about throwing it up to a spot when he knows his guys have an advantage.
Jake Frost
With the Christmas and Holiday season upon us, Bengals fans have given Browning the nickname Jake Frost for how calm and icy cold he plays under pressure. He never seems to get rattled, much like his predecessor, Joe Burrow. This is an important quality for NFL quarterbacks to have and Zac Taylor took note by stating, “Jake’s just so steady, you know? He really is. He doesn’t get rattled by a negative play. He doesn’t overreact to it. The interception is just a great example. In his fourth-ever career start, he throws a pick — I think it was cover two and the cornerback just played games with him to try and bait him to throw it over the top — and the next play, he came right back the next drive and throws a touchdown. That’s what you want to see from your quarterback — a guy who doesn’t get too high or too low. He’s able to move on, and that’s exactly what he did.”
Math Class
The Bengals win puts them in a good spot to make the playoffs with three games left, but they still need help. Their poor conference record may end up biting in the end. They currently sit as the 6th seed, and the Baltimore Ravens winning on Sunday Night Football over the Jacksonville Jaguars helps them. The Jags now have the same record as the Houston Texans, whom the Bengals want to win the division as they hold the tiebreaker over Jacksonville. With the playoff push in full swing, the most important thing you can take care of is winning. That’s what the Bengals are currently focused on. This season has been full of so much uncertainty when Burrow went down. Since Browning took over, his confidence has grown as he’s trying to make the improbable, probable by getting Cincinnati in the playoffs
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