Halftime Observations: Cincinnati Bengals Start Fast, Lead Atlanta Falcons 28-17

Cincinnati is hoping to improve to 4-3 on the season.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals lead the Falcons 28-17 at halftime. Cincinnati scored touchdowns their first four offensive possessions in the first half. 

Here are some of our halftime observations:

Fast Start

The Bengals won the coin toss and opted to receive. They scored four plays later when Joe Burrow found Tyler Boyd for a 60-yard touchdown. 

Cincinnati never trailed in the first half and their initial drive is a big reason why. Zac Taylor opted to take the ball and his aggressiveness paid off. 

Offense On Fire

Burrow completed 21-of-25 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. He has a perfect 158.3 passer rating. 

Burrow connected with Ja'Marr Chase for two touchdowns and Boyd for another score. Joe Mixon also has a rushing touchdown. 

The Bengals are 3-for-4 on third down and have consistently moved the ball up and down the field. 

Chase has five receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Boyd has five receptions for 118 yards and a score. 

The Bengals' offense picked up right where they left off last week in New Orleans and the Falcons' defense hasn't had any answers.

It's looking like 2021 Burrow to Chase again 🔥

📺: #ATLvsCIN on FOX
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— NFL (@NFL) October 23, 2022

Chase was slow to get up following a third down late in the second quarter. We'll update his status when we know more. 

The H Brothers

Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson both made big plays in the first half. 

Hendrickson forced Marcus Mariota to throw off-target on third down on Atlanta's first possession and the Falcons were forced to punt. 

Hubbard deflected a pass on third down during the Falcons' second possession, which allowed the offense to get the ball back, march downfield and score their third-straight touchdown of the game.

Interior Help

B.J. Hill and Jay Tufele played well in the first half. The defensive tackle trio has seven tackles combined and have done enough to keep the Falcons' rushing attack in check. 

Cincinnati doesn't have DJ Reader or Josh Tupou, but Hill and Tufele have held their own. 

The Bengals Will Win If...

Cincinnati's offense has to continue to move the ball up and down the field. Put the pressure on a run-first Atlanta team. If they continue to score, this Falcons' offense will have to pass, which should lead to sacks, turnovers and punts in the second half. 

It's worth noting that Atlanta did score on a 75-yarder from Mariota to Damiere Byrd late in the first half. 

Burrow and company are rolling and it needs to continue, especially in the third quarter, if they're going to put the Falcons away and improve to 4-3 this season.