The Cincinnati Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a decisive 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on December 22, 2024. The triumph was pivotal for the Bengals, who improved their record to 7-8, as they gear up for the final push to clinch the AFC Wild Card spot.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had another stellar performance, completing 23 of 30 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns. With this win, he became the first player this season to surpass 4,000 passing yards, achieving the milestone during the first quarter with a quick pass to wide receiver Tee Higgins. Burrow's strong start set the tone for the game as he passed for two touchdowns by halftime and finished off the Browns with his connection to Ja'Marr Chase late in the fourth quarter.
Burrow's highlights included his impressive acrobatic throw to Higgins for a touchdown, where he managed to release the pass just before hitting the ground. "That one was crazy," Burrow said. "I thought my knee might be down because I'd never been in position throwing like this before, but I was able to keep it up." This play was part of a 99-yard scoring drive, showcasing Burrow's ability to navigate pressure effectively.
Alongside Burrow's exploits, Ja'Marr Chase had another noteworthy day, catching six passes for 97 yards. Chase's performance allowed him to break his own franchise record for most receiving yards in a single season, advancing to 1,510 yards and surpassing his previous record of 1,455 yards set during his rookie season back in 2021. Head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the importance of contributors like Chase, stating, "You've got to win divisional games to be able to do things you want to do in this league."
Although the Bengals' victory did not come without hiccups, including Burrow's fumble late in the game, they dominated the defensive matchup against their AFC North rival. The Bengals' defense was tenacious, forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions by rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Thompson-Robinson, making his first start of the season, completed 20 of 34 passes for just 157 yards, struggling against the Bengals defense throughout the game. "It was definitely challenging," he acknowledged after the contest. "I tried to push through, but the turnovers hurt us massively." His debut was marked by difficulty, especially during pivotal moments where he managed to lead the offense down the field but unraveled with costly turnovers.
The Browns' only touchdown came courtesy of running back Jerome Ford, who found the end zone with a four-yard run. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the missed extra point rattled their morale, leaving them short of points on the board. The Browns fell to 3-12 with this loss, continuing their disappointing season.
This win marked the Bengals' third consecutive victory, bolstering their confidence as they head toward their next showdown against the Denver Broncos, another team vying for playoff contention. Cincinnati's upcoming game is particularly significant, as it will determine their viability for the postseason. Burrow emphasized the importance, stating, "We’ve just got to win this week and go from there." This mentality showcases the determination prevalent among the Bengals as they seek to keep their season alive.
The stakes are high for Cincinnati, and their path to the playoffs is delicate. To advance, they need to win their remaining games against the Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers, whilst hoping for favorable outcomes from other teams, such as losses from the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts. With the pressure mounting as the season draws to its close, every game becomes not just another mark on their schedule, but potentially their last chance at glory this season.
Meanwhile, the Browns face the challenge of rallying from yet another loss as they prepare to host the Miami Dolphins, where they will strive to salvage some pride at the end of what has been a trying season for their franchise. Coach Taylor’s call for fan support was echoed throughout the Bengals organization, emphasizing how pivotal the home crowd will be for their upcoming face-off with the Broncos.
It's evident the Bengals are ramping up their game just as the stakes climb higher, and their hunger for victory is palpable. This week, they not only fight to keep their postseason dreams alive but also aim to shift the narrative surrounding their 2024 season from disappointing to triumphant.
