Postgame Observations: Jake Browning Leads Bengals Past Colts 34-14

Cincinnati is 7-6 on the season. They've won back-to-back games.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Dec 10, 2023 3:57 PM EST

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Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI — The Bengals beat the Colts 34-14 on Sunday at Paycor Stadium.

Cincinnati was in control for most of the game and never trailed.

They improve to 7-6 on the season. They've won back-to-back games and are in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Here are our postgame observations:

Jake Browning

Browning completed 18-of-24 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score.

The 27-year-old played well for a second-straight week. Outside of an ugly pick-six before halftime, Browning put the offense in a position to succeed throughout the game.

That's all anyone can ask for, as the Bengals look to make a playoff run for a third-straight season.

Brown and Mixon Lead the Way

Rookie running back Chase Brown has added the explosion the Bengals' needed on the ground. Brown scored a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter after catching a screen pass from Browning.

The rookie topped out at 22.05 miles-per-hour on the play, which makes him the second-fastest ball carrier in the NFL this season.

Joe Mixon had a 46-yard catch and run that set up a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

The duo of Brown and Mixon combined for 127 yards and two scores on Cincinnati's first three possessions of the game. The Bengals ran their offense through both backs for most of the afternoon.

Mixon finished with 123 yards from scrimmage. Brown finished with 105 yards from scrimmage, including a team-leading 80 receiving yards.

Big Penalty

Trey Hendrickson was called for roughing the passer on 3rd-and-14 with 9:21 remaining in the second quarter. Instead of having to punt, the Colts extended their drive, before ultimately scoring a touchdown with less than two minutes left in the half. The Colts pulled within 14-6 following the score. Browning threw a pick-six two plays later and the score was tied at halftime.

Second Half

The Bengals lost all of their momentum going into the locker room at halftime, but the offense scored on the opening possession of the third quarter. The defense also responded by forcing back-to-back punts and an interception in the second half. By the time Indianapolis got the ball for the fourth possession of the half, Cincinnati had built a 31-14 lead.

Hendrickson made up for his penalty, finishing with two sacks. Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt tied for the team-lead with 10 tackles.

Money Mac

Evan McPherson was perfect on Sunday, making all four extra point attempts and field goals from 32 and 35 yards.

Up Next

The Bengals play the Vikings on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. ET.

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