Burrow Leads Cincinnati Back to Winning Ways
The Cincinnati Bengals got back on track Sunday, defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-24 at Hard Rock Stadium. Quarterback Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, while safety Jordan Battle recorded two interceptions to help Cincinnati end its two-game losing streak and improve to 3-2 on the season.
The Dolphins fell to 0-5 after another frustrating loss. Miami showed signs of life offensively, but costly mistakes and turnovers made it difficult to complete the comeback.
Bengals Strike Early
Cincinnati wasted little time taking control. An 81 yard kickoff return by Dohnte Meyers gave the Bengals excellent field position, and Burrow quickly capitalized by connecting with tight end Mike Gesicki for a four yard touchdown.
Miami responded with a one-yard touchdown run from Ollie Gordon II, tying the game at 7-7. However, Cincinnati’s offense continued finding openings against the Dolphins’ secondary.
Burrow threw three touchdown passes in the first half, spreading the ball around and helping the Bengals build a 21-7 halftime lead. He finished the afternoon completing 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with nine different receivers.
Chase Delivers a Highlight-Reel Touchdown
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase made a major impact after clearing concussion protocol during the week. He finished with six receptions for 77 yards, including a spectacular 45 yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.
Chase’s acrobatic grab extended Cincinnati’s advantage to 28-10 and gave the Bengals some breathing room. Burrow also found Tanner Hudson and running back Samaje Perine for touchdown receptions as Cincinnati continued to take advantage of Miami’s defensive mistakes.
Miami Makes It Interesting
The Dolphins refused to go away quietly. Quarterback Malik Willis helped lead a lengthy fourth quarter drive, finding rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. for his first NFL touchdown. Miami added a successful two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 28-18.
Willis later scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the Dolphins within one score at 28-24.
However, Miami’s comeback hopes took a major hit when Jonathan Allen stripped Willis late in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati recovered the fumble, and Evan McPherson converted a 26 yard field goal to make it 31-24.
McPherson’s kick was his 22nd consecutive successful field goal, setting a Bengals franchise record.
Cincinnati Gets a Needed Victory
Battle’s two interceptions helped Cincinnati overcome Miami’s late push. The Bengals now have an opportunity to build momentum after snapping their losing streak, while the Dolphins head into their bye week still searching for their first win.
