by Chris Asbrock
In a classic Monday Night Football game in Denver, it was the Broncos who were able to survive and clinch a spot in the playoffs. This was a tale of two halves for both teams on the national stage. For fans of football, it was a good game to watch and enjoy. For fans of the Bengals and Broncos, you felt agony and joy in this game. From the opening kickoff, the Bengals showed the football world they were ready to play and took it to the Broncos early and often. The Bengals first two drives were long and productive, leaving Sports Authority Field in shock.
AJ McCarron did not look like a rookie in his second NFL start. He looked like the quarterback we saw winning multiple national championships at Alabama. The throws McCarron was making were nothing short of amazing. The wide receivers were making catches and tapping those toes down on the sideline. McCarron picked apart the man coverage and the Bengals were making a statement on national television.
As can be said with many games, there were crucial points that swing the momentum. Let’s take a look at the crucial points in this game.
– Nugent misses 45-yard field goal
This was the point in the game where the tables turned on the Bengals. McCarron drives the Bengals down the field and have to settle for a field goal, looking to make the game 17-0 in favor of the Bengals. If Nugent makes that field goal, the momentum stays with the Bengals and continues to crush the spirit of the Broncos and their fans. Instead, you miss a very makeable field goal and allow the team and fans to get back into the game.
– Broncos two drives after missed field goal
The Broncos took the momentum of the Nugent missed field goal and drove down the field and got on the scoreboard with a McManus field goal. Taking over on their own 35 yard line, the Broncos got into field goal range in just two plays. The statement drive took seven plays and covered 60 yards. The Broncos headed into the locker room with some momentum and followed it up as they got the ball to begin the second half.
The Broncos made the adjustments and came out running their no-huddle offense to begin the half. They drove down the field and capped it off with an 8 yard touchdown reception by Emmanuel Sanders. The 11 play, 81 yard drive gassed the Bengals defense and set the tone for the rest of the game.
– Broncos defense flipped script
Following the touchdown, the Broncos defense stepped up and showed why they are the number one unit in the NFL. They were gashed and dominated in the first half and did a complete 180 after the half. The Broncos switched their coverage and pressured the Bengals offense, forcing five punts in the second half and only three points. They were able to sack McCarron three times in the second half and limited the Bengals running game.
The crucial sack came at the two minute warning when the Bengals were driving to win the game. It was 2nd and 11 when McCarron was sacked for a nine yard loss, forcing a 3rd and 20. The Bengals offense went 7/8 on third down in the first half. The Broncos defense clamped down on third down, limiting the Bengals to 3/9 in the second half. Getting off the field was crucial as they were able to stop the Bengals on short yardage, forcing them to punt.
– The altitude effect is real
The Bengals defense in the second half was gassed and were playing as such. There were some missed tackles and the Bengals were picked apart. You could see the effect of the altitude in overtime. Brock Osweiler and the Broncos went on a 14 play, 61 yard drive that took 5 minutes to open overtime. You have to credit Osweiler and the Broncos offense for speeding up the pace of the game and using the momentum against the Bengals. Even though the Bengals defense played well, they were just eventually worn down as they were on the field for almost 20 minutes in the second half and overtime.
Overall, this was a great football game for both teams. As a Bengals fan, you can’t be upset with how this team played. The only blame that could be tossed around was to the offensive play calling in the second half. They were a little more conservative than they were in the first half but the Broncos defense played a huge part in that. They played a solid football game but ultimately wilted due to the pressure from the Broncos defense and the altitude.
Playing on primetime is the closest to the playoffs as you will experience. The Bengals were able to have a solid showing on the national stage, but fell to 1-3 this season on primetime. For the Bengals to end the playoff drought, they will need to play a complete 60 minutes and weather the storm of emotions. The range of emotions last night, was truly incredible, going from the joy of dominating the Broncos and the fans booing the home team to the head down, typical Cincinnati sports loss.
All is not lost for the Bengals though. They did miss out on a chance to clinch a first round bye, but could still obtain the bye if the Broncos falter next week. The Bengals finish up the regular season against a Ravens team that is flying high after their upset over the Steelers on Sunday. The benefit for the Bengals is they have to play another meaningful game and cannot coast into the playoffs as they have in previous years. The Bengals defense played very well and the offense had some bright moments against the best unit in the league. A win on Sunday over the Ravens and the Bengals could head into the playoffs with some momentum.
Impact Sports Cincinnati 