Late challenge helps secure Bengals win in Tampa Bay

Marvin Lewis threw a challenge flag late in the final quarter.
Marvin Lewis threw a challenge flag late in the final quarter. (Image: Cincinnati Bengals)

TAMPA — A challenge flag may have been the difference between a Bengals win or loss Sunday afternoon.

Tampa Bay completed a 21-yard pass putting the Buccaneers in field goal range with less than a minute remaining in the 14-13 game.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis noticed there were 12 men on the field and asked for a challenge. Although NFL rules do not allow a coaches challenge in the last two minutes, it was enough to warrant a referee challenge.

The play was reversed and Cincinnati’s defense eventually put a halt to the Buccaneer drive. Andy Dalton kneeled down to secure the Bengals one point victory.

It wasn’t the best game in Dalton’s career as the quarterback ran for one touchdown and threw three interceptions.

Dalton connected to receiver A.J Green for a 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Cincinnati’s defense held Tampa Bay to 263 total yards forcing an interception late in the first half.

The Bengals keep a narrow lead in the the AFC North with an 8-3-1 record. Division foes Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh all lost Sunday and each record falls to 7-5.

The Bengals host rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m.