Cincinnati (AP) The Cincinnati Bengals needed some breaks to advance in overtime thrillers against Minnesota.
Unlucky Bengals got some of them last season. So they can’t help but feel like they’ve turned some corners after making the Viking last longer at 27-24 on Sunday.
“I don’t think I’ll win the match last year,” said quarterback Joe Burrow after Cincinnati kicker Evan McPherson scored a 33-yard field goal in overtime. “I think that’s the difference this year. Some resilient people know how to win.”
Bengali are also regaining their burrows. His knee was injured in the 11th week of last season and required extensive reconstructive surgery, but there was no hesitation or adverse effect on Sunday after being fired five times by the Vikings.
But go back to those breaks. The Vikings hurt themselves early on with a penalty and then charged back to connect the field goal to the game when the regulation time was exhausted.
During overtime, Minnesota’s running back Dalvin Cook allowed the ball to be stolen by safe Jesse Bates, and Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt recovered.
Then came the brave call by Barrow who clicked. With the Bengals facing 4 inches at 48, Barrow checked out a planned quarterback sneak and lofted the perfect ball to streak tight-end CJ Yuzoma with a gain of 32 yards.
A newcomer from Florida, McPherson, took me from there.
“That’s an expectation. Joe Burrow is in the real quarterback,” said Jammer Chase, a receiver who shared glory with Burrow when he was a star on the LSU National Championship team. “We have nothing to do but rely on Joe. Joe tells us what to do, and we rely on him.”
What is working
First, the quarterback, whose teammate’s nickname is “franchise,” seems to be fine after nine months of rigorous rehabilitation after knee surgery. He was 27 to 20 with 261 yards and two touchdowns.
After recovering from a leg injury that hindered most of last season, Joe Mixon, the No. 1 running back, rushed through 127 yards of hard yards and touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards of carry.
What you need help with
Sounds like a broken record. The horrifying line of attack has transformed over the last few years, but it’s still struggling. Barrow went down five times and was struck so often that none of Cincinnati’s bystanders could spend it comfortably.
Hoard
Chase, who had a hard time catching a pass in the preseason, grabbed everything Barrow threw at him, including a 50-yard touchdown toss near the end of the first half. He caught 5 passes at 101 yards, averaging 20.2 yards per catch.
Reduce inventory
Cornerback Eli Apple, which started in place of the injured Trae Waynes, was frequently abused by the Vikings. He missed a tackle to Justin Jefferson, made a big profit, was asked to hold, and was beaten in a touchdown interview with Minnesota.
injury
There are no important reports. Barrow stood up with his shoulders in one hit, but he didn’t miss a play and said he was okay after the match.
Key number
2: It’s the number of field goal chances that rookie kicker McPherson got, and the number he converted, including the 33-yard player for an OT win. His first NFL field goal was a 53-yard player in the fourth quarter, which may have been good since the age of 63. After the winning kick, he was taken off the field on his teammate’s shoulder.
Next step
As always, O-line needs to work on keeping Burrow upright. The line has improved as former Viking Riley Leif is on board and Jona Williams is healthy, but keeping the quarterback healthy is an ongoing task. Cincinnati will be acclaimed for winning the opening round at home and will travel to Chicago next Sunday. Bears lost the opener to the Los Angeles Rams 34-14.
“This is a new team. It’s a new locker room, a new culture we’re building there, and everyone is embracing it,” Uzoma said. “It’s always good to make a notch in the first belt of the belt.”
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Bengal gets some breaks in the first week victory against OT Viking | WGN Radio 720
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