The much-anticipated matchup between the Bengals and the Colts did not disappoint. The Colts did beat the Bengals in Week 18 to end their 16-0 perfect record. But that game did not matter. This one was the one that did. All the marbles were on the table. The winner of this game would make it to the AFC Championship game. And man, another GOTY nominee.
To start the game, the Bengals’ offense was still as explosive against the #1 defense. Ripping the defense apart and ultimately scoring a touchdown. 7-0. But just as quickly as the Bengals scored, the Colts would score even quicker. Jonathan Taylor would juke into the second level and from there it was all green grass. Well all snow ahead of him. 7-7. The Bengals would answer yet again, proving that they can score on any defense. Joe Burrow would wait for the defense to collapse and then fire a dot right down the middle for a touchdown. 14-7.
There had been a lot of talk about Anthony Richardson’s great performance in the Wildcard Round, but on the first possession of the next drive, he would throw a pick-6. 21-7 Bengals. As Richardson went to the sideline, he tapped his chest signaling that was on him. But just like that interception was on him, the Colt’s comeback was on him. As the first play next drive, he would fire a dot over the linebacker to score the touchdown. 21-14 Bengals. I’m not sure what happened to the Colts’ defense but they would allow the Bengals to score a touchdown with 19 seconds left in the half. 28-14 Bengals. And somehow, with 19 seconds left in the half, the Colts would find a way to score. Richardson found Jonathan Taylor in the endzone for the score. 28-21 Bengals to end the half.
The Colts would pick up right where they left off. Richardson led another scoring drive to tie the game. 28-28. And in the 2nd half, the Colts’ defense showed up. Stopping the Bengals and giving Richardson and the Colts offense even more momentum. And just like before, Richardson made huge throws to lead another scoring drive. 35-28. In the 4th quarter, the Colts’ defense showed why they rank #1, coming up with a huge goal-line stop. Melvin Verner would be the one to pick off Burrow in the endzone. The Bengals would stop the Colts one more time, giving them one more chance. But it was Justin Simmons who got the huge pick to seal the game.
For the Bengals, this was a great season. They shut all the haters up going 16-1. But with a new Head Coach, things don’t always work year one. I expect the Bengals to work on their defensive line in the offseason. With a great offense and secondary, help on the D-line may be all the Bengals need to hold that trophy once again.
For the Colts, they are going to the AFC Championship game for the second year in a row. Anthony Richardson played amazingly. He threw for 318 yards with 3 touchdowns. Shout out to Alec Pierce and Jonathan Taylor who had big days. Alec Pierce had 4 receptions for 167 yards. Taylor had 6 receptions for 115 yards. The Colts’ defense also did a great job stopping Jamar Chase only allowing 22 yards. And in the 2nd half, they stopped the Bengals from scoring a single point. The Colts are on a mission. Will they finally be able to reach the Super Bowl?
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