The Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t catch a break for most of the regular season, even if Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase had impressive performances. They’ve lost seven games by one possession, including two by one point. Finally, the breaks fell their way after a Monday Night Football win against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys could have wrapped the game after blocking a punt. However, the home team failed to retrieve the ball, allowing the Bengals to regain possession at a more favorable spot. Cincinnati finished the game when Burrow found Chase for a 40-yard touchdown.
The victory snapped the Bengals’ three-game winning streak and improved their record to 5-8. Burrow had another splendid game, finishing with 33 completions for 369 yards and three touchdowns. He still leads the league with 3,706 passing yards, 232 more than second-place Geno Smith.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!
— ESPN (@espn) December 10, 2024
THE COWBOYS BLOCKED THE PUNT, BUT CINCY GOT THE BALL BACK AFTER A DALLAS PLAYER TOUCHED THE BALL! #CINvsDAL | ABC, ESPN pic.twitter.com/vaMWLRHxIa
Meanwhile, Chase had 14 catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Through Week 14, Chase is on the Triple Crown watch as he leads the league in receiving yards (1,319), receptions (93), and catching touchdowns (15).
While the Bengals still have a slim chance of making the playoffs, they would need specific results from other teams to earn their spot. Though they don’t have control over their fate, the Bengals can finish the 2024 NFL season strongly in their four remaining games, starting with their Week 15 road game against the Tennessee Titans.
-Lance Fernandez