The Cincinnati Bengals quickly went off-schedule following Vontaze Burfict's punt recovery at Cincinnati's 26-yard line, much like their first possession. Andre Smith was called for a false start and BenJarvus Green-Ellis went no-gain on first down, setting up a second and 15 with 11:54 in the first quarter.
Armon Binns picked up a chuck on second, during a crossing route that Dalton hit in stride withstanding a decent pass rush to Miami's 24-yard line. Third and eight, Dalton overthrows Andrew Hawkins over the middle, forcing Mike Nugent to convert a 42-yard field goal, giving the Bengals a 3-0 lead.