Cincinnati Bengals Continue To Fail In Close Games
Before getting too much into the Cincinnati Bengals’ late-game woes, it shouldn’t have even come to that after taking a 21-0 lead. At that point, ESPN metrics had them holding a 92.8% chance of victory.
Instead of being able to hold onto their advantage, the Bengals allowed the Colts to score three touchdowns in the second quarter. Cincinnati’s lead was diminished down to just 24-21 at halftime as a result of their poor performance in the second quarter.
The Bengals’ offense was almost completely neutralized in the second half—adding just another field goal to the board, two punts, a missed field goal, and lastly a pick.
When facing just a 28-27 disadvantage on the scoreboard with 8:02 left in the game, the Bengals nearly pulled back ahead of the Colts. Instead, Cincinnati missed a 48-yard field goal attempt and gave up a favorable starting field position to Indianapolis.
Despite this poor level of execution, the Bengals still had a chance to pull off a go-ahead drive on their final possession. On 3rd & 6 from the Colts’ 35-yard-line, Joe Burrow threw an interception— subsequently ending the game.
