Halftime Observations: Defense Shines in Red Zone, Bengals Tied With Falcons 3-3

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are tied with the Falcons 3-3 at halftime. Their defense has stepped up in the red zone, despite allowing Atlanta to go on two long drives in the first half.

Cincinnati nearly scored on their first possession, but only tallied one first down on their other two drives.

Here are our halftime observations:

Defensive Stand

The Falcons started the game by going on a 15-play drive that took nearly 10 minutes off the clock. Atlanta had 1st-and-goal from the 4-yard line. Back-to-back false start penalties gave Cincinnati an opportunity to get off the field.

Dax Hill tackled Bijan Robinson in the open field on second down and then Mike Hilton came up big in his hometown, batting a pass into the air, which allowed Joseph Ossai to snag the interception.

Cincinnati's first-string defense was going to play one series, regardless of the outcome. They made plays deep into the drive and they were able to get some in-game conditioning with the start of the regular season just three weeks away.

"That's what Mike Hilton does. He comes up big when it matters," Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin said on the broadcast. "We got good work there and didn't give up anything at the end."

Two really nice plays for the #Bengals defense in the red zone. First, Dax Hill takes down Bijan Robinson in the open field.

Then, Mike Hilton knocks the ball up and Joseph Ossai is there for the interception. Heck of a defensive stand following a long drive for the defense pic.twitter.com/ojt17scoFS
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 18, 2023

Opening Drive

Trevor Siemian started the game 4-for-4 for 41 yards. It was exactly what the doctor ordered for the veteran quarterback.

He found Chris Evans for a 10-yard slant and also connected with Trenton Irwin for a 14-yard gain.

The Bengals' first drive stalled out just outside the red zone when Zac Taylor opted to go for it on 4th-and-2. Siemian tried to hit Irwin with a back shoulder throw in the end zone, but the timing was off and the Bengals turned the ball over on downs.

Jonah Starts

Jonah Williams got the start at right tackle. It was his first in-game reps at that position since his college days at Alabama. He fared well during Cincinnati's opening drive. Williams was on the field for 10 plays and everything we've seen in practice throughout camp translated to the game.

The 25-year-old looks poised to have a great season, which is great news for the Bengals offense.

No Murphy

First round pick Myles Murphy is out tonight due to an illness. Like Hilton, the rookie is from Atlanta. Unfortunate that he couldn't suit up.

Murphy has shown flashes in practice, but he needs snaps to continue to develop and grow.

Other D-Lineman Flash

Cam Sample, Jeff Gunter and Raymond Johnson showed their potential in the first half. All three guys made plays.

Johnson and Gunter had a half sack each in the red zone. The Bengals defense tipped four passes in the first half.

Jeff Gunter just runs through the right tackle and Raymond Johnson meets him at the quarterback. Big play by the Bengals defense pic.twitter.com/Zg25FB9SCu
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 19, 2023

Other Thoughts

After starting 4-for-4, Siemian only completed three more passes, finishing the half 7-of-14 for 62 yards.

That is the inconsistency that we've seen throughout training camp from both backup quarterbacks. We'll see if Jake Browning can be better in the second half.

Evan McPherson made a 50-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to tie the game 3-3.

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