Bengals Opening Drive: Gresham Touchdown Negated And Mike Nugent Field Goal Attempt Blocked

The Cincinnati Bengals defense forced Pittsburgh into a three and out, punting from their own 17-yard line with 13:33 remaining in the first quarter. Cedric Benson gains one yard up the middle, leading to a second and nine. Andy Dalton drops back with perfect protection after the play-fake, sitting in the pocket for at least six seconds with plenty of time to double that. A.J. Green finds himself wide open as Dalton unleashes the football deep on the fade route, hauling in the 43-yard reception.

Following a Benson four-yard run on first down, Dalton hits Gresham near the first down marker where the tight end makes a finger tip reception for the reception and first down.

Second plays later the Bengals were left with third and goal from the Steelers four-yard line. Andy Dalton quickly looks right and hits Jermaine Gresham, lined up wide right, on the quick slant for the touchdown. Flag. A.J. Green called for a false start (and just barely too).

Now we're left with third and goal from the nine-yard line. Dalton, in shotgun and empty backfield, overthrows the football down the middle for Gresham.

A delay of game later pushes Cincinnati back to the Steelers 14-yard line. Mike Nugent's 28-yard field goal attempt is blocked at the line of scrimmage and the Bengals come away with no points.