Bengals Lose on Last-Second Field Goal Once Again

Ryan Meyer - Cincinnati Bengals

For the third week this season, the Bengals lost on a last second field goal, falling to the Ravens 19-17. After starting the season 0-2 it looked as if they were turning a corner. The offense was able to score early in their games, the offensive line protected Joe Burrow, and the defense continued to stop opposing offenses. In this week’s Sunday Night Football game, the Bengals looked like they’d reverted back to their early season ways. 

For the third week in a row, the Bengals got the ball to start the game, except this time they didn’t score on their opening drive. They punted the ball after four plays, a trend that continued until late in the second quarter. 

They finally put points on the board with a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hayden Hurst, a former Raven. Since this was his first game in Baltimore after being traded to the Bengals from Atlanta, it was only fitting that he waved to the fans as his touchdown celebration. Had the Bengals been winning however, Hurst’s handwave would’ve hit a little bit differently. 

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The defense got their third stop of the game, giving the Bengals one more chance to put points on the board before halftime. They drove down to the Baltimore 22-yard line before having to kick a field goal on fourth-and-seven. Evan McPherson made the 40-yard field goal, making the score tied at 10 heading into halftime.

Starting the second half, the defense stopped the Ravens on fourth-and-three. Unfortunately, Joe Burrow gave them the ball back on the next play, throwing an interception on a pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase. The defense gave up field goals on the Raven’s two drives following the interception. 

With just under 10 minutes in regulation, the Bengals finally scored another touchdown with a quarterback sneak, Burrow’s first rushing score of the year, putting the Bengals up by one with two minutes to play. But as we’ve seen far many times by multiple teams, the Ravens drove down 50 yards and hit a game winning field goal as time expired. The Bengals never should have left it up to Justin Tucker to decide the fate of the game as he is easily the best kicker in the league.

Ryan Meyer - Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals lose 19-17

The Bengals ran out of time to come back just as we saw in weeks one and two. The offense needs to start right out of the gate and match the energy their defense has had every week. The defense is eighth in the NFL right now allowing only 17.8 points per game. They have stepped up and it’s time that the offense does the same.

Player Stats

Joe Burrow: 24-35 for 217 yards and 1 touchdown

Joe Mixon: 14 carries for 78 yards

Hayden Hurst: 6 receptions for 53 yards and 1 touchdown

Ja’Marr Chase: 7 receptions for 50 yards