Tag: Cincinnati Bengals

An initial touchdown call is overturned after review as New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) in the second quarter of the NFL Week 1 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

Patriots pull upset, beat Bengals in Jerod Mayo’s debut

Posted on | by Field Level Media

CINCINNATI — New England avoided mistakes and controlled the ball to upset the Bengals, 16-10, to win head coach Jerod Mayo’s debut on Sunday afternoon.

Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries and Keion White had 2.5 sacks, leading a strong defensive effort that stunted Cincinnati’s big-pay offense.

Joey Slye converted three field goals, including two in the second half that prevented the Bengals from closing within more than six points. New England sacked Burrow three times and capitalized on two turnovers.

Joe Burrow was held to 164 yards on 21-of-29 passing and no touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase had six catches on six targets for 62 yards.

Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 14 passes for 121 yards.

Following a team-record 80-yard punt from rookie Ryan Rehkow, the Patriots marched down the field for the first points of the game, a 3-yard Stevenson run into the end zone untouched for a 7-0 Patriots lead on the first play of the second quarter.

Tanner Hudson caught a Burrow pass and was running toward the goal line when Patriots safety Kyle Dugger stripped the ball at the Patriots 2. Marcus Jones returned it to the New England 18. The Patriots pushed the ball to the Cincinnati 14 over the final five minutes of the half and added to their lead with a 32-yard Slye field goal to grab a 10-0 advantage.

Slye added another field goal and gave the Patriots a 13-0 lead after recovering a fumble by Patriots return man Charlie Jones.

The Bengals finally broke through with a nine-play, 90-yard drive in the third quarter. Running back Zack Moss plunged in for a 5-yard score up the middle after Burrow had last a fumble at the 10, recovered by the Patriots. But Burrow was ruled down before the ball came out.

Burrow dropped to 1-4 in season openers.

–Field Level Media

Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) celebrates his touchdown off a ball fumbled by Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis during the second quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

Bengals sign DT Sheldon Rankins to two-year deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cincinnati Bengals signed defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to a two-year contract, the team announced on Monday.

The deal is worth $26 million, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Rankins, who turns 30 on April 2, was an unrestricted free agent after his lone season with the Houston Texans in 2023. He totaled 37 tackles, six sacks, nine tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits in 15 games (all starts).

The New Orleans Saints selected Rankins with the 12th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Louisville.

He has played for the Saints (2016-2020), New York Jets (2021-22) and Texans, totaling 228 tackles, 29.5 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, 68 QB hits, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 109 regular-season games (66 starts).

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) reacts after advancing the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals place franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins

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The Cincinnati Bengals used their franchise tag on Tee Higgins on Monday, guaranteeing the wide receiver $21.816 million in the 2024 season.

Higgins, 25, was set to hit free agency next month at the end of a four-year, $8.68 million rookie deal he signed as a 2020 second-round pick. The Bengals had until March 5 to tag him.

“Tee has done an outstanding job for us since we drafted him,” coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. “I’m glad that he’ll continue to be a big part of our offense and our team.”

The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal.

Higgins caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games (11 starts) in 2023 after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2021-22. He has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 TDs in 58 games (53 starts).

The $21.816 million is the leaguewide franchise tag amount for wide receivers in 2024.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) dives for the sideline against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Emotional Chiefs still have goals within reach as Bengals up next

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Kansas City Chiefs recently have shown signs of losing their cool while falling short on the scoreboard.

With losses in three of their last four games, the Chiefs (9-6) aim to regain their composure on Sunday afternoon when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (8-7).

For all of its recent troubles, however, Kansas City can clinch a playoff berth and its eighth straight AFC West title with either a win or tie Sunday. The Chiefs also can punch both tickets with a Las Vegas Raiders’ loss or tie against the Indianapolis Colts and a Denver Broncos loss or tie against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Kansas City didn’t do itself any favors with Monday’s 20-14 setback to the Raiders. Patrick Mahomes threw for 235 yards and a touchdown. However, his interception was returned 33 yards for a touchdown by Jack Jones to stake Las Vegas to a 17-7 lead in the second quarter.

Frustration was evident as star tight end Travis Kelce threw his helmet on the sideline. Mahomes, however, told reporters Wednesday that visible displays like that also show a level of commitment and desire.

“People see frustration and they think it causes controversy,” Mahomes said. “I see it as a way of showing that people care. They care about their profession, they care about trying to do whatever they can to win games.

“When I see stuff like that happen, obviously, we want to be in a positive light and everything like that, but I see someone that cares about the game and someone that wants to be better and not better for themselves but for the team.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn’t appreciate Kelce’s outburst on Sunday, going so far as to prevent him from re-entering the game.

“The game of football is an emotional game, so that’s expected,” Reid said Wednesday. “You see those things happen. We’ve just got to make sure we generate it in the right direction and we go that way and fix the problems.”

Mahomes has thrown for five touchdowns and five interceptions in his last four games after tossing 21 and nine, respectively, over his previous 11. The two-time NFL MVP completed 29 of 43 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns — including one to Kelce — in Kansas City’s 23-20 win over Cincinnati in last season’s AFC Championship Game on Jan. 29.

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (concussion, shoulder) joined wideout Kadarius Toney (hip), tackle Donovan Smith (neck) and cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed (calf) and Jaylen Watson (illness) in failing to participate in practice on Wednesday.

Cincinnati star wideout Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder) officially did not practice on Wednesday. However, he was spotted working on the side with trainers while the remainder of the team went through drills.

“Just see how the week progresses with him,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said of Chase, who leads the team in catches (93), receiving yards (1,156) and receiving touchdowns (seven).

Chase sat out last Saturday’s 34-11 setback to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That decision snapped a three-game winning streak for the Bengals, who reside in 10th place in the AFC as one of five teams in the conference with an 8-7 record.

Tee Higgins reeled in his third touchdown pass in his last two games while rolling up a season-high 140 receiving yards last Saturday. He also found the end zone in last season’s AFC Championship Game.

Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt returned to practice Wednesday after a stint on injured reserve due to an ailing ankle.

“You know the offense, you know the quarterback (Mahomes is one of the) best in the league and wants to take shots downfield,” Taylor-Britt said, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. “That is one thing we can’t do, we got to just prevent that. I plan to come in and just lead you know, like I said not do too much just add my juice, you know, bringing the defensive energy, you know, let us all come together in one and play on defense.”

The Chiefs boast the NFL’s fourth-ranked passing offense (253.5) and ninth-ranked total offense (355.4 yards per game). The Bengals, in turn, yield the league’s second-most total yards per game (383.4) and fifth-most passing yards (256.1)

–Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) celebrates after intercepting a pass to seal a Bengals win in the fourth quarter of the NFL divisional playoff football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bengals won 27-10 to advance to the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bengals designate CB Cam Taylor-Britt to return from IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cincinnati Bengals cleared starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt to return to practice on Wednesday.

The team designated him for a return from injured reserve and opened his 21-day practice window.

Taylor-Britt, 24, started the first 10 games this season before landing on IR on Dec. 4 with an ankle injury.

The 2022 second-round pick recorded four interceptions, 10 passes defensed and 46 tackles before the injury.

Taylor-Britt returned an interception 11 yards for a touchdown in a 34-20 win at Arizona in Week 5.

The Bengals also re-signed defensive tackle Domenique Davis to the practice squad on Wednesday after waiving him Monday.

Cincinnati (8-7) visits the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) calls an audible against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Surging Jaguars, skidding Bengals take stage on Monday night

Posted on | by Field Level Media

It’ll be a battle of coaching brothers when the Jacksonville Jaguars host a rare Monday night game against the slumping Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor brings his Bengals (5-6) into Jacksonville having lost three straight and falling into the cellar of the AFC North after winning the division the last two seasons.

Jacksonville (8-3) is coached by Doug Pederson, and Taylor’s younger brother Press serves as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator of unit that has star quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

“He’s somebody I’m very proud of,” Zac Taylor said of Press. “I’ve watched his journey. He’s earned everything he’s ever gotten. He’s worked really hard for it. He’s really smart and takes care of people.”

The Jaguars are playing their first Monday night game since Dec. 5, 2011, a 38-14 home loss to the San Diego Chargers. The Jaguars played two Monday night games that season, beating the visiting Baltimore Ravens 12-7 for a split.

The Jaguars are 8-7 all-time on Monday night.

Jacksonville has won seven of its last eight games and sits atop the AFC South. The Jags have the NFL’s fourth-ranked run defense (87.4 yards allowed per game), while Lawrence leads the offense and is coming off a 364-yard passing performance in their 24-21 win at Houston.

“What I’ve been most impressed with was how he’s just leading the football team,” Pederson said of Lawrence. “He has been taking care of the football the last couple of weeks.

“Honestly, there’s still some room if you watch the film to grow and improve and really anticipate certain things,” Pederson added. “He’s just continuing to make impressive throws and he continues to grow.”

The Bengals are trying to snap a long dubious streak of their own. With their loss in Baltimore on Nov. 16, they have dropped 15 straight prime-time games on the road and have lost 26 of 27 night road games.

The Bengals have dropped nine straight Monday night road games, including last season’s 32-13 decision in Cleveland on Oct. 31, 2022. Their last win in this category was on Oct. 22, 1990, in Cleveland. The Bengals are 13-26 all-time on Monday night, with a 19-16 home victory against the LA Rams in Week 3.

The Bengals turn to Jake Browning, who is making his second career NFL start after replacing Joe Burrow in Cincinnati’s 34-20 loss at Baltimore on Nov. 16.

In his first career start last Sunday against the Steelers in Cincinnati, Browning completed 19 of 26 passes for 227 yards and one touchdown and a costly third-quarter interception. The Bengals held a 7-3 lead at the half and were driving for another score to open the third quarter when his pass for Ja’Marr Chase was intercepted.

“I thought he handled some things really well for us,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “It’s a tough task to play a divisional game versus a good defense in your first game. There’s going to be plenty of things he can learn from.”

Browning had to make his first start last week without Tee Higgins, who missed his third straight game with a hamstring injury. Higgins returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday and is hopeful to start alongside fellow star receiver Chase on Monday night.

“Tee’s one of the top receivers in the NFL,” said Browning, who was a full participant Thursday despite being listed for a right wrist issue. “I don’t think can really put into words how important he is to this offense.

“I think Andrei (Iosivas) has continued to play really well. Trenton Irwin has proven he can do it, but there’s just something that Tee brings the table being as big, as fast and having the experience he does, where it’s always nice to have him and Ja’Marr on the outside.”

–Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball as Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle (27) and Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (22) defend in the first quarter of a Week 12 NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at Paycor Stadium.

Steelers push past weakened Bengals

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tight end Pat Freiermuth had a career day, catching nine passes for 120 yards, and Najee Harris ran for a touchdown to lead the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) to a key 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals (5-6).

Playing with a new offensive coordinator and play-caller following the firing of Matt Canada, the Steelers didn’t need to produce much to beat a feeble Cincinnati offense.

Kenny Pickett completed 24 of 33 passes for 278 yards with Eddie Faulkner serving as the offensive coordinator and Mike Sullivan as the play-caller.

Chris Boswell added three field goals for the Steelers, who won for the third time in four games and held the Bengals to 25 yards on 11 carries. The Steelers had 421 yards of total offense, the best day of the year for the NFL’s 28th-rated offense.

Jake Browning, in his first NFL start, completed 19 of 26 passes for 227 yards, with a touchdown and an interception in place of Joe Burrow, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Saturday with a right wrist injury.

The Steelers had the game’s first quality scoring chance when Pickett found Freiermuth over the middle for 29 yards as part of a drive that had Pittsburgh march down to Cincinnati 13, where Zach Carter punched the ball free from Jaylen Warren. The fumble was picked up by Bengals cornerback DJ Turner.

Pickett had completions of 24 and 29 yards to Freiermuth on Pittsburgh’s first two drives but had nothing to show for it.

The Steelers converted an explosive play into points on their third drive. Pickett lofted a perfect pass over Bengals Turner and into the arms of Diontae Johnson down the right sideline for 39 yards down to the Cincinnati 23, leading to a 41-yard Boswell field goal.

Browning hit a wide-open Drew Sample, who rambled 11 yards and bowled over teammate Mitchell Wilcox to get into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter. Browning and Sample played together at the University of Washington.

The Bengals appeared poised to add to their 7-3 halftime lead when Browning connected with Ja’Marr Chase on a go-ball down the right sideline for 25 yards to the Steelers 21. But three plays later, safety Trenton Thompson, filling in for the injured Minkah Fitzpatrick, stepped in front of Chase and picked off Browning at the Steelers 15.

The Steelers took advantage of the turnover, marching 79 yards in 14 plays and consuming nearly eight minutes of the third quarter clock.

Harris took it off the left end for a 5-yard touchdown run. A holding flag on tight end Darnell Washington for grabbing Germaine Pratt was picked up and the touchdown stood, giving the Steelers a 10-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

– Field Level Media