Postgame Observations: Bengals Start Fast, Struggle in Second Half in 25-17 Loss to Chiefs
CINCINNATI — The Bengals started fast, but it wasn't enough on Sunday in Kansas City. The Chiefs rallied from a 17-7 deficit to beat the Bengals 25-17.
Cincinnati falls to 8-8 on the season. Here are our postgame observations:
Fast Start
The Bengals' offense scored on their first three possessions. Jake Browning completed 10-of-13 passes for 98 yards and one touchdown over that span. He also ran for 32 yards and one score.
He started 4-for-4 on third down passes, which included big conversions to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Bengals had to punt on their fourth possession, but 17 first half points is exactly what the doctor ordered for Zac Taylor, Brian Callahan and company.
Offense Stalls
The Bengals' offense struggled in the second half. They drove downfield on their first possession of the third quarter, but didn't convert on a 4th-and-1 from the Chiefs' 6-yard line.
After that failed conversion, they punted on 3-straight possessions and their lead quickly disappeared.
Some will question Zac Taylor's decision to go for it, but it was the right decision. Browning probably should've checked to a pass play. He handed the ball off to Joe Mixon and the veteran running back was tackled for a 3-yard loss.
Browning completed 19-of-33 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown.
Defense Struggles
The Bengals' defense only forced one punt on Sunday. They gave up 375 yards on 7.4 yards-per-play.
Lou Anarumo's crew only gave up one touchdown and held the Chiefs to 3-of-12 on third down, but struggled in-between the 20s. Harrison Butker kicked six field goals for the Chiefs.
Cincinnati forced one turnover, but they couldn't consistently stop Kansas City. The Chiefs scored on seven of their nine possessions.
Tee Higgins Injured
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins suffered a hamstring injury in the first half. He returned to the game, but never caught a pass in the second half. He finished with one catch for 19 yards.
Resilient Group
The Bengals faced 4th-and-18 with 1:51 remaining and Browning found Tyler Boyd for a 23-yard gain and a first down. It gave the Bengals hope and kept the game alive, despite trailing 25-17.
After the pass to Boyd, Browning was sacked on back-to-back plays to essentially end the game. The deck was stacked against this Bengals team. They played hard, but came up short in Kansas City.
Up Next
The Bengals play the Browns on Jan. 7 at Paycor Stadium. The game could get flexed to Saturday Jan. 6.
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