2020 Cincinnati Bengals season

Last updated

2020 Cincinnati Bengals season
Cincinnati Bengals wordmark (c. 2004).png
Owner Mike Brown
Head coach Zac Taylor
Home field Paul Brown Stadium
Results
Record4–11–1
Division place4th AFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers None
Uniform
Cincinnati bengals uniforms.png

The 2020 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 53rd overall, and their second under head coach Zac Taylor.

Contents

For the first time since 2003, the Bengals had the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, which they used to select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. They improved upon their 2–14 record from 2019 but were eliminated from playoff contention for the 5th consecutive year after a week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Bengals doubled their win total from the previous season but still finished with a 4–11–1 record. As well, this was the first season since 2010 that the Bengals did not have Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback, as he was released and signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

Offseason

Free agents

Unrestricted

PositionPlayer2020 TeamDate signedContract
DT Andrew Billings Cleveland Browns March 19 [1] 1 year, $3.5 million
TE Tyler Eifert Jacksonville Jaguars March 24 [2] 2 years, $15.5 million
S Clayton Fejedelem Miami Dolphins March 16 [3] 3 years, $8.55 million
WR A. J. Green Cincinnati BengalsMarch 16 [4] Franchise tagged for 1 year, $17.865 million
G John Jerry
CB Greg Mabin Cincinnati BengalsMarch 31 [5] 1 year, $825K
CB Tony McRae Detroit Lions March 21 [6] 1 year, $1.5 million
CB Torry McTyer Cincinnati BengalsMarch 21 [6] 1 year, $875K
MLB Hardy Nickerson Minnesota Vikings August 18 [7] 1 year, $750K
ILB LaRoy Reynolds Atlanta Falcons March 24 [8] 1 year, $1.05 million
DT Niles Scott
OLB Nick Vigil Los Angeles Chargers March 24 [9] 1 year, $1.1875
DE Kerry Wynn
CB Darqueze Dennard Atlanta Falcons August 3 [10] 1 year, $4.5 million

Restricted

PositionPlayer2020 TeamDate signedContract
G Alex Redmond Cincinnati BengalsMarch 23 [11] 1 year, $2.133 million
TE Cethan Carter Cincinnati BengalsApril 17 [12] 1 year, $2.133 million
S Brandon Wilson Cincinnati BengalsApril 26 [13] 1 year, $2.133 million
DT Josh Tupou Cincinnati BengalsMay 1 [14] 1 year, $2.133 million

Signings

PositionPlayer2019 teamDate signedContract
NT D. J. Reader Houston Texans March 17 [15] 4 years, $53 million
CB Trae Waynes Minnesota Vikings 3 years, $42 million
CB Mackensie Alexander Minnesota Vikings March 18 [16] 1 year, $4 million
G Xavier Su'a-Filo Dallas Cowboys March 18 [17] 3 years, $9 million
LB Josh Bynes Baltimore Ravens March 24 [18] 1 year, $1.6 million
WR Mike Thomas Los Angeles Rams March 24 [18] 1 year, $850K
S Vonn Bell New Orleans Saints March 25 [19] 3 years, $18 million
CB LeShaun Sims Tennessee Titans March 25 [20] 1 year, $1.7 million
RB Jacques Patrick Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)April 17 [21] 3 years, $2.285 million

Releases

PositionPlayer2020 teamDate released
OT Cordy Glenn March 13 [22]
G John Miller Carolina Panthers [23] March 18 [24]
CB B. W. Webb March 18 [25]
CB Dre Kirkpatrick Arizona Cardinals [26] March 31 [27]
QB Andy Dalton Dallas Cowboys [28] April 30 [29]
RB Devwah Whaley August 3 [30]
TE Moritz Böhringer August 3 [30]

Draft

2020 Cincinnati Bengals draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
11 Joe Burrow  *  QB LSU
233 Tee Higgins   WR Clemson
365 Logan Wilson   LB Wyoming
4107 Akeem Davis-Gaither   LB Appalachian State
5147 Khalid Kareem   DE Notre Dame
6180 Hakeem Adeniji   T Kansas
7215 Markus Bailey   LB Purdue
      Made roster    †    Pro Football Hall of Fame     *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

PlayerPositionCollegeSigned [31]
Kendall Futrell LB East Carolina April 25 [32]
Josh Knipfel G Iowa State
Scotty Washington WR Wake Forest
Devwah Whaley RB Arkansas
Isaiah Swann CB Dartmouth
Clay Cordasco T Oregon State
Marcel Spears Jr. LB Iowa State
Tyler Clark DL Georgia April 26 [33] [34]
Mitch Wilcox TE South Florida
Trey Dishon DT Kansas State April 27

Staff

2020 Cincinnati Bengals staff

Front office

  • President/general manager – Mike Brown
  • Executive vice president – Katie Blackburn
  • Vice president – Troy Blackburn
  • Vice president of player personnel – Paul Brown Jr.
  • Director of player personnel – Duke Tobin
  • Personnel executive – Bill Tobin
  • Scouting director (College) – Mike Potts
  • Scouting director (Pro) – Steven Radicivec

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Joey Boese
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Todd Hunt
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Garrett Swanson

Final roster

2020 Cincinnati Bengals final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 13 inactive, 14 practice squad (+1 exempt)

Preseason

The Bengals' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [35]

WeekDateOpponentVenueResult
1August 15at Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2August 21 Minnesota Vikings Paul Brown Stadium
3August 28at Atlanta Falcons Mercedes-Benz Stadium
4September 3 Indianapolis Colts Paul Brown Stadium

Regular season

Schedule

The Bengals' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7. [35]

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1 September 13 Los Angeles Chargers L 13–160–1 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
2 September 17at Cleveland Browns L 30–350–2 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
3 September 27at Philadelphia Eagles T 23–23 (OT)0–2–1 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
4 October 4 Jacksonville Jaguars W 33–251–2–1Paul Brown Stadium Recap
5 October 11at Baltimore Ravens L 3–271–3–1 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
6 October 18at Indianapolis Colts L 27–311–4–1 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
7 October 25 Cleveland Browns L 34–371–5–1Paul Brown Stadium Recap
8 November 1 Tennessee Titans W 31–202–5–1Paul Brown Stadium Recap
9 Bye
10 November 15at Pittsburgh Steelers L 10–362–6–1 Heinz Field Recap
11 November 22at Washington Football Team L 9–202–7–1 FedExField Recap
12 November 29 New York Giants L 17–192–8–1Paul Brown Stadium Recap
13 December 6at Miami Dolphins L 7–192–9–1 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
14 December 13 Dallas Cowboys L 7–302–10–1Paul Brown Stadium Recap
15 December 21 Pittsburgh Steelers W 27–173–10–1Paul Brown Stadium Recap
16 December 27at Houston Texans W 37–314–10–1 NRG Stadium Recap
17 January 3 Baltimore Ravens L 3–384–11–1Paul Brown Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 1: Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Chargers0601016
Bengals706013

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

The Bengals began their season at home against the Chargers in what would be the debut pro game for new starting QB and first round draft pick Joe Burrow. In the first quarter, the Bengals scored its only points when Burrow ran for a 23-yard TD to make it 7–0. The Chargers tacked on a pair of field goals in the second quarter to make it 7-6 when Michael Badgley made them from 24 and 43 yards out for a 1-point deficit at halftime. The Bengals then scored a pair of field goals of their own in the third quarter, when Randy Bullock made 50 and 43 yarders for a TD lead of 13–6. However, in the fourth, the Chargers took the lead as Joshua Kelley ran for a 5-yard TD, followed up by Badgley kicking a 22-yard field goal to make it 16–13. The Bengals got the ball back and were able to drive deep into Chargers' territory. After a what appeared to be a TD pass from Burrow to Green was overturned due to an offensive penalty, the Bengals then brought out Bullock for the game-tying field goal to send the game into overtime. Bullock missed the field goal wide right, losing the game for the Bengals.

With the loss, the Bengals started 0–1.

Week 2: at Cleveland Browns

Week 2: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals31031430
Browns7147735

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

After losing their regular season-opening game at home, the Bengals then traveled to Cleveland to face the Browns for Battle of Ohio Round 1. In the first quarter, the Bengals scored first when Randy Bullock kicked a 38-yard field goal to make it 3–0. Though, the Browns took the lead when Nick Chubb ran for an 11-yard TD to make it 7–3. In the second quarter, the Browns went up by double digits when Baker Mayfield found O'dell Beckham Jr. on a 43-yard TD pass to make it 14–3. The Bengals then came within 4 after Joe Burrow found C.J. Uzomah on a 23-yard TD pass to make it 14–10. Mayfield then found Kareem Hunt on a 6-yard TD pass to put the Browns up by double digits, 21–10. Though, the Bengals closed out the half when Randy Bullock kicked a 43-yard field goal to make it 21–13 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Browns went back up by double digits when Chubb ran for a 1-yard TD to make it 28–13. The Bengals drew closer with Bullock's 27-yard field goal to make it 28–16. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals were able to get within 5 when Burrow found Mike Thomas on a 4-yard TD pass to make the score 28–23. Though, the Browns would go back up by double digits yet again when Hunt punched the ball in for a 1-yard TD to make it 35–23. The Bengals wrapped up the scoring when Burrow found Tyler Boyd on a 9-yard TD pass to make the final score 35–30.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 0–2 for the second straight season and last place in the AFC North.

Week 3: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 3: Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Period1234OTTotal
Bengals01076023
Eagles01337023

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Game information

The Bengals traveled to Philadelphia seeking their first win of the season. After a scoreless first quarter, the Bengals and Eagles traded field goals to start the second. Cincinnati took its first lead of the game when Joe Burrow found Tee Higgins for a 1-yard touchdown, but the Eagles responded with a touchdown of their own to take a 13–10 lead at halftime. The Eagles padded their lead to 16–10 early in the third on a Jake Elliott field goal, but Higgins' second touchdown reception of the afternoon put the Bengals back in front, 17–16. Cincinnati built its lead to seven points with two Randy Bullock field goals in the fourth quarter, but a last-minute touchdown run by Carson Wentz would tie the game and force overtime. In overtime, the two defenses would hold strong, with neither team being able to get in scoring range until the Eagles got to the Bengals' 41 late in the extra period. However, a false start on fourth down would move Philadelphia out of field goal range, and they punted with only a few seconds left. With no time to get back into scoring range or score a winning touchdown, the Bengals could only run one play to their own 20 yard line before time expired.

With their fourth tie in 13 seasons and their second in their past four meetings against the Eagles, the Bengals improved to 0–2–1 and remained in last place in the AFC North. The Bengals also ended a 14-game road losing streak dating back to 2018.

Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 4: Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Jaguars7601225
Bengals3717633

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

QB Joe Burrow earned his first win as an NFL starter, throwing for 300 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. RB Joe Mixon turned in a huge performance with 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns as well as a receiving touchdown.

Week 5: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 5: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals00033
Ravens1073727

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

The Bengals then traveled to Baltimore for Round 1 against the Ravens. After trailing 27–0, the Bengals wrapped up the scoring in the fourth quarter with Randy Bullock's 38-yard field goal to make the final score 27–3.

With their fourth straight loss to the Ravens, the Bengals fell to 1–3–1.

Week 6: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 6: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals14103027
Colts02101031

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

After a huge loss, the Bengals traveled again to take on the Colts. From the first into the second quarter, the Bengals jumped out to a 21–0 lead when Giovani Bernard ran for a 2-yard touchdown, followed by Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon running for 2-yard and 7-yard touchdowns respectively. Trey Burton scored a 1-yard touchdown of his own to get the Colts on the board 21–7. The Bengals' lead increased with Randy Bullock's 47-yard field goal to make it 24–7. The Colts scored twice to come within 3 before halftime when Burton ran for a 10-yard touchdown, followed by Philip Rivers finding Zach Pascal on a 17-yard touchdown pass to make it 24–21. In the third quarter, the Bengals increased their lead when Bullock kicked a 55-yard field goal to make it 27-21 and the quarter's only score. In the fourth quarter, however, it was all Colts when Rivers found Jack Doyle on a 14-yard touchdown pass, taking the lead at 28–27. Rodrigo Blankenship then kicked a 40-yard field goal to make it 31–27. With seconds left, the Bengals got the ball back. However, Burrow would throw the game-losing interception, sealing yet another loss.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 1–4–1.

Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 7: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns3772037
Bengals71031434

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 9,732
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

After another tough road loss, the Bengals went home to take on the Browns in Battle of Ohio Round 2. The Bengals scored first in the first quarter when Joe Burrow ran for a 1-yard touchdown to make it 7–0. The Browns then got on the board when Cody Parkey kicked a 43-yard field goal to make it 7–3. The Bengals then went up by a touchdown when Randy Bullock kicked a 37-yard field goal to make it 10–3. However, the Browns tied the game at 10-10 when Baker Mayfield connected with Harrison Bryant for a 3-yard touchdown. Burrow and Tyler Boyd then connected for an 11-yard touchdown pass to give the Bengals a 17–10 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Mayfield and Harrison connected again to tie the game at 17–17 with a 6-yard touchdown pass. Bullock kicked a 20-yard field goal to make it 20–17 in favor of the Bengals getting the lead back. In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Browns took the lead when Mayfield found David Njoku on a 16-yard touchdown pass to make it 24–20. Burrow then put the Bengals back in the lead with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins to make it 27–24. The Browns moved back into the lead when Kareem Hunt caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to make it 31–27. The Bengals moved into a late lead when Joe Burrow found Giovani Bernard on a 3-yard touchdown pass to make it 34–31.

Despite taking the lead with 1:06 remaining in the 4th quarter, the Bengals allowed the Browns to drive down the field and allowed Mayfield to find Donovan Peoples-Jones to score the game-winning touchdown (with a failed PAT) with 11 seconds remaining, sealing the Bengals' fate. [36]

The Bengals lost 37–34 and fell to 1–5–1 on the season after being swept by the Browns for the second time in three years.

Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 8: Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Titans0701320
Bengals31401431

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 48 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 9,712
  • Referee: Scott Novak
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

After another loss, the Bengals stayed home to play against the Titans. In the first quarter, the Bengals scored the only points to make it 3–0 when Randy Bullock kicked a 33-yard field goal. They made it 10–0 when Samaje Perine ran for a 1-yard touchdown. The Titans finally got on the board when Derrick Henry ran for a 3-yard touchdown to make it 10–7. Though, the Bengals pulled away when Giovani Bernard ran for a 12-yard touchdown to make it 17–7 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, the Bengals got back to work in the fourth quarter when Joe Burrow found Tyler Boyd on a 7-yard touchdown pass to make it 24–7. The Titans drew closer when Ryan Tannehill found A. J. Brown on a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 24–14. Bernard then caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Burrow to make it 31–14. And then Tannehill found Corey Davis on a 12-yard touchdown pass (with a failed 2-point conversion) to make the final score 31–20.

With the win, the Bengals go into their bye week at 2–5–1.

Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 10: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals070310
Steelers12107736

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

Coming off of their bye week, the Bengals traveled to Pittsburgh for Round 1 against the Steelers. In the first quarter, the Steelers jumped out to a 12–0 lead after 2 field goals from Chris Boswell, from 41 and 30 yards out, followed by Ben Roethlisberger connecting with Diontae Johnson on a 12-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion). The Bengals responded in the second quarter, coming within 5 when Joe Burrow found Tee Higgins on a 2-yard TD pass to make it 12–7. However, the Steelers would pull away by double digits before halftime when Roethlisberger found JuJu Smith-Schuster on an 8-yard TD pass to make it 19–7. Finally, Boswell kicked a 45-yard field goal to make it 22–7 at halftime. The Steelers scored the only points of the third quarter when Roethlisberger connected with Chase Claypool for an 11-yard TD pass to make it 29–7. In the fourth quarter, Roethlisberger and Claypool connected again for a 5-yard TD pass, putting the team up 36–7. The Bengals wrapped up the scoring of the game with Randy Bullock's 37-yard field goal to make the final score 36–10.

With their 11th straight loss to the Steelers, the Bengals fell to 2–6–1.

Week 11: at Washington Football Team

Week 11: Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Football Team – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals09009
Washington7010320

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 57 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Shawn Smith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

After a horrifying loss, the Bengals traveled again this time to take on the Washington Football Team. In the first quarter, Washington scored the only points off of an Antonio Gibson 1-yard TD run to make it 7–0. The Bengals got on the board in the second quarter when Joe Burrow found A. J. Green on a 5-yard TD pass (with a failed PAT) to make it 7–6. They then took the lead at halftime when Randy Bullock kicked a 53-yard field goal to make it 9–7. In the second half, it was all Washington as they would win by a final score of 20–9.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–7–1.

In the 3rd quarter, quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a left leg injury and was carted off the field. [37] [38] In addition, it was revealed he had torn his ACL and MCL, with other damages to the PCL and meniscus and would be out for the remainder of the season.

Week 12: vs. New York Giants

Week 12: New York Giants at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Giants733619
Bengals730717

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 52 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 10,208
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Kugler, Chris Spielman and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

After another road loss, the Bengals then went back home for a game against the Giants. In the first quarter, the Giants drew first blood when Wayne Gallman ran for a 1-yard touchdown, making it 7–0. The Bengals were able to tie it up when Brandon Wilson returned the ensuing kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown to make the score 7–7. In the second quarter, the Bengals moved into the lead when Randy Bullock kicked a 44-yard field goal to make it 10–7. The Giants would tie it up at halftime with Graham Gano's 41-yard field goal, making it 10–10. In the third quarter, going into the fourth quarter, the Giants were able to make it 19–10 when Gano kicked 3 field goals from 40, 39, and 32 yards. Later on in the fourth, the Bengals came within 2 when Brandon Allen found Tee Higgins on a 1-yard touchdown pass, making it 19–17.

With less than a minute left, the Bengals were able to get the offense back on the field. However, Allen would be sacked and he fumbled the ball, giving it back to the Giants, sealing yet another loss for the Bengals.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–8–1. The team was guaranteed their fifth straight losing season.

Week 13: at Miami Dolphins

Week 13: Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals70007
Dolphins0610319

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 12,577
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

After a tough home loss, the Bengals traveled to take on the Dolphins. They would take a 7–0 lead for the first quarter's only score when Brandon Allen found Tyler Boyd on a 72-yard touchdown pass. However, from the second quarter on wards, the Dolphins would score the remaining points to win 19–7.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–9–1 and were eliminated from postseason contention. With the Ravens' win over the Cowboys on Tuesday Night, they are also assured to finish in last place in the AFC North for the third straight season.

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 14: Dallas Cowboys at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Cowboys10731030
Bengals07007

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 44 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 10,322
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Kugler, Chris Spielman and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

After another loss on the road, the Bengals returned home to face against the Cowboys and former Bengals QB Andy Dalton. The Cowboys jumped out to a 17–0 well into the second quarter. But the Bengals managed to put up a touchdown of their own, thanks to Brandon Allen finding A. J. Green on a 5-yard pass before halftime to make it 17–7. From the third quarter onward, it would be all Cowboys scoring from there on out, making the final score 30–7.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–10–1.

Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Steelers0010717
Bengals31401027

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

The Bengals salvaged a bright spot from a dismal 2020 by pulling off their first win over the Steelers since 2015. Their first score came after Ben Roethlisberger botched a snap in the first quarter at his 19; the ensuing Bengals drive ended in a short field goal. A missed second field goal attempt by the Bengals was followed by a JuJu Smith-Schuster fumble forced by Vonn Bell. The Bengals led 17–0 at the half and added a third touchdown and late field goal for the 27–17 win.

With the upset win, the Bengals improved to 3–10–1 and snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Steelers which dates back to Week 8 of the 2015 season. They also beat the Steelers at home for the first time since Week 2 of the 2013 season. [39] [40]

Week 16: at Houston Texans

Week 16: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals73141337
Texans3714731

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

After a win at home, the Bengals then traveled to take on the Texans. The Bengals scored first when Drew Sample caught an 8-yard TD pass from Brandon Allen to make it 7–0. The Texans responded coming within 4 when Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 7–3. The Bengals increased their lead to 7 when Austin Seibert kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 10–3. Though, the Texans would tie it up when Brandin Cooks caught a 25-yard TD pass from DeShaun Watson, making it 10–10 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Bengals took the lead when Samaje Perine ran for a 46-yard TD to make it 17–10. Though, the Texans tied it up at 17-17 when David Johnson ran for a 4-yard TD. The Bengals moved back into the lead when Allen found Tee Higgins on a 20-yard TD pass, making it 24–17. However, the Texans closed out the quarter tying the game at 24-24 when Johnson caught a 2-yard TD pass from Watson. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals moved back into the lead when Seibert kicked a 48-yard field goal, making it 27–24. However, the Texans were able to take the lead when Watson found Darren Fells on a 22-yard TD pass, making the score 31–27. Later on in the quarter, the Bengals took the lead late with Perine's 3-yard TD run to make it 34–31, followed up by Seibert's last field goal of the day from 36 yards out to make the final score 37–31.

With the win, the Bengals improved to 4–10–1 and earned their first road win since Week 4 of the 2018 season, ending a 20-game road winless streak (0–19–1). In addition, Cincinnati posted back-to-back victories for the first time since Weeks 4 and 5 of that same season. This also marked the Bengals' first win over the Texans since 2014 and just their second since 2008.

Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 17: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Ravens10721038
Bengals03003

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: January 3
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 39 °F (4 °C)
  • Game attendance: 10,499
  • Referee: Land Clark
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Bengals attempted to play the role of spoiler and possibly deny the Ravens of a playoff spot, but were instead blown out 38–3, failing to post their first three-game winning streak since 2015.

With the loss, the Bengals finished their season with a record of 4-11-1.

Standings

Division

AFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers 1240.7504–29–3416312L1
(5) Baltimore Ravens 1150.6884–27–5468303W5
(6) Cleveland Browns 1150.6883–37–5408419W1
Cincinnati Bengals 4111.2811–54–8311424L1

Conference

AFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division leaders
1 Kansas City Chiefs West1420.8754–210–2.465.464L1
2 Buffalo Bills East1330.8136–010–2.512.471W6
3 Pittsburgh Steelers North1240.7504–29–3.475.448L1
4 [lower-alpha 1] Tennessee Titans South1150.6885–18–4.475.398W1
Wild Cards
5 [lower-alpha 2] [lower-alpha 3] Baltimore Ravens North1150.6884–27–5.494.401W5
6 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] Cleveland Browns North1150.6883–37–5.451.406W1
7 [lower-alpha 1] [lower-alpha 2] [lower-alpha 4] Indianapolis Colts South1150.6884–27–5.443.384W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
8 Miami Dolphins East1060.6253–37–5.467.347L1
9 Las Vegas Raiders West880.5004–26–6.539.477W1
10 [lower-alpha 5] New England Patriots East790.4383–36–6.527.429W1
11 [lower-alpha 5] Los Angeles Chargers West790.4383–36–6.482.344W4
12 Denver Broncos West5110.3131–54–8.566.388L3
13 Cincinnati Bengals North4111.2811–54–8.529.438L1
14 Houston Texans South4120.2502–43–9.541.219L5
15 New York Jets East2140.1250–61–11.594.656L1
16 Jacksonville Jaguars South1150.0631–51–11.549.688L15
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 6]
  1. 1 2 Tennessee finished ahead of Indianapolis based on division record.
  2. 1 2 Baltimore finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory. Division tiebreaker used to eliminate Cleveland (see below).
  3. 1 2 Baltimore finished ahead of Cleveland based on head-to-head sweep.
  4. 1 2 Cleveland finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
  5. 1 2 New England finished ahead of the LA Chargers based on head-to-head victory.
  6. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

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References

  1. ↑ Smith, Pete. "Cleveland Browns Agree To Deal With Nose Tackle Andrew Billings". SportsIllustrated.com. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  2. ↑ Rapoport, Ian. "The #Jaguars signed TE Tyler Eifert to a 2-year deal worth $15.5M, source said". @Rapsheet. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  3. ↑ Clark, Dave. "Miami Dolphins sign former Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Clayton Fejedelem". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  4. ↑ Hobson, Geoff. "Bengals Designate A. J. Green As Franchise Player, Extend Tender Offer To Four Others". Bengals.com. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Bengals Re-Sign Greg Mabin". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  6. 1 2 Sheeran, John. "Torry McTyer re-signs with Bengals; Tony McRae leaves for Lions". cincyjungle.com. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Vikings Sign LB Hardy Nickerson". www.vikings.com. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  8. ↑ Falcons, Atlanta. "#Chargers and former #Bengals LB Nick Vigil have agreed to terms on a contract, source said". @caplannfl. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  9. ↑ Caplan, Adam. "We have agreed to terms with LB LaRoy Reynolds". @AtlantaFalcons. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Falcons' Darqueze Dennard: Deal with Atlanta finalized". cbssports.com. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Bengals Re-Sign Alex Redmond". Bengals.com. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Bengals Re-Sign Tight End Cethan Carter". Bengals.com. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Bengals Re-Sign Safety Brandon Wilson". Bengals.com. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Bengals Re-Sign Defensive tackle Josh Tupou". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  15. ↑ Hobson, Geoff. "Reports: Bengals Enrich Defense With Two Impact Players". Bengals.com. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  16. ↑ Pelissero, Tom. "The #Bengals are signing former #Vikings CB Mackensie Alexander to a one-year, $4 million deal, source said". @TomPelissero. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  17. ↑ Hobson, Geoff. "Reports: X Marks New Spot On Bengals O-Line". Bengals.com. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  18. 1 2 Hobson, Geoff. "Reports: Bengals Raid Ravens For Backer Bynes". Bengals.com. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  19. ↑ Rapoport, Ian. "Former #Saints S Vonn Bell has a new home, agreeing on a 3-year deal with the #Bengals". @RapSheet. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
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  21. ↑ "Bengals Sign Running Back Jacques Patrick". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
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  23. ↑ Newton, David. "Panthers add OL John Miller on one-year, $4 million deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  24. ↑ Schefter, Adam. "Bengals informed @RosenhausSports that they are releasing starting offensive guard John Miller, who they signed as a free agent last year". @AdamSchefter. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  25. ↑ Sheeran, John. "Bengals to release CB B. W. Webb, per report". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  26. ↑ Urban, Darren. "Cardinals Sign Another Cornerback, Adding Dre Kirkpatrick". azcardinals.com. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Bengals Release Dre Kirkpatrick". Bengals.com. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  28. ↑ Archer, Todd. "Cowboys, QB Andy Dalton reach agreement on one-year deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  29. ↑ Baby, Ben. "Bengals releasing Andy Dalton after drafting Joe Burrow". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  30. 1 2 Dragon, Tyler. "Cincinnati Bengals waive tight end Moritz Bohringer, running back Devwah Whaley". The Enquirer. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Bengals Reach Agreements With 10 College Free Agents". Bengals.com. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  32. ↑ Marcum, Jason. "Bengals undrafted free agent tracker". cincyjungle.com. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  33. ↑ Marcum, Jason. "Bengals land Georgia DL Tyler Clark, per report". cincyjungle.com. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  34. ↑ Marcum, Jason. "TE Mitch Wilcox joining Bengals". cincyjungle.com. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
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  37. ↑ "Bengals QB Joe Burrow carted off with knee injury". NFL.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  38. ↑ Wells, Adam. "Bengals' Joe Burrow Carted Off with Serious Knee Injury; Replaced by Ryan Finley". Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  39. ↑ Manchester, Nick. "Bengals shock Steelers, win 27–17 on Monday Night Football". Cincy Jungle. SB Nation . Retrieved December 21, 2020. The Bengals have defeated the Steelers in primetime. Yes, you're reading that right.
  40. ↑ Benjamin, Cody; DeArdo, Bryan. "Steelers at Bengals score: Cincinnati stuns Pittsburgh on 'MNF,' opens door for Browns in AFC North". CBSSports.com. CBS Sports. Retrieved December 22, 2020. It was not a pretty night of football for the AFC North leaders
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