CINCINNATI – The Bengals finally win a game on prime-time television. They also clinch a playoff spot.
Quarterback Andy Dalton has struggled in nationally televised games as an NFL starter with a 2-6 record prior to the Monday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Cincinnati had a 20-7 lead at the end of the first half. A few mistakes were enough to give Peyton Manning & Co. a 28-27 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Bengals kicker Mike Nugent knocked in a 23-yard field goal for a 30-27 lead. Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick intercepted a Manning pass and ran the ball into the end zone with 2:50 remaining in regulation. It led to a Bengals 37-28 win.
On Monday, rookie running back Jeremy Hill hit the 1,000-yard mark on the season. Cornerback Adam Jones played a crucial role in the game on special teams and on defense.
Update (3rd quarter)
The Broncos have responded in the third quarter taking a 28-27 lead as the fourth quarter gets underway.
Both squads displayed their special teams talent as the second half began.
The Broncos returned the first kickoff to the Bengals 21 yard line and a rushing touchdown brought the score to 20-14.
Bengals returner Adam Jones responded with a 72-yard kickoff return. Andy Dalton connected with Giovanni Bernard with a 22-yard pass to net a Bengal touchdown. Bengals led 27-14.
Denver then marched up the field in ten plays to score a touchdown netting the score at 27-21.
A Bengal fumble led to a Broncos TD to take the lead. Cincinnati has ball possession as final quarter begins.
First Report (first half)
Andy Dalton has struggled in prime-time games as Cincinnati Bengals quarterback.
Fans hope the trend changes as the Bengals host Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
The Broncos scored an early touchdown but the Bengals have bounced back to score 20 consecutive points in the first half.
Cincinnati’s first half scoring highlights include an 83-yard run by rookie running back Jeremy Hill in the first quarter.
A win tonight will secure a playoff spot before the team has a Week 17 showdown in Pittsburgh.
