Cincinnati Bengals Week Nine Defensive Snap Count Against The Denver Broncos

Breaking down the Cincinnati Bengals snap distribution during the team's 31-23 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals Week Nine Offensive Snap Count Against The Denver Broncos

Breaking down the Cincinnati Bengals snap distribution during the team's 31-23 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

[VIDEO] Reflecting And Reacting On The Bengals 31-23 Loss To The Broncos

The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a 31-23 defeat to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Bengals Extend Losing Streak To Four Games After 31-23 Loss To The Broncos

The Cincinnati Bengals had every opportunity to beat the Denver Broncos. But like they have all season, they blew it, allowing the Broncos to overcome a fourth quarter deficit and win the game.

Broncos Lead Bengals 31-20 After Manning Connects With Decker In End Zone

The Broncos began their drive in Bengals territory at the 46 yard line after Andy Dalton's pass was intercepted by Champ Bailey. The Broncos began with a 9-yard run by Willis McGahee, but their 2^nd and 1 because a 3^rd and 6 after a false start on the offense.

Peyton Manning threw a quick check down to Brandon Stokely for a 15 yard gain. The Broncos began pounding the ground with McGahee, and they were faced with a 3^rd and 2 that was easily converted by another McGahee run - this time for 12 yards.

With 4 yards to go, Manning connected with Eric Decker for the touchdown, complemented by a pass interference penalty by Terence Newman that was declined, of course.

The Broncos lead the Bengals 31-20 with 3:36 left in the game.

Champ Bailey Interception Concludes Expected Collapse By The Bengals Offense

Well that was quick.

After the Cincinnati Bengals took a 20-17 lead, Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos go on a five-play drive for 80 yards, retaking the lead, 24-20. Now the Bengals must respond. Cincinnati's offense takes the field after Brandon Tate's 28-yard return to their own 27-yard line.

The drive opens with three consecutive BenJarvus Green-Ellis runs for 11 yards, capped with a converted third down run of two yards.

Though it appears that the Bengals took a big-step backwards on an Andrew Whitworth hold, Andy Dalton launches the football down the field for a wide open A.J. Green down the right sidelines. During the route cornerback Champ Bailey was called for defensive holding, giving Cincinnati a new set of downs, wiping out Whitworth's penalty and pushing the Bengals to their own 33-yard line with over nine minutes remaining.

Yet when a team like the Bengals collapse, they collapse with attitude.

Whitworth was called for a false start, making it third and 15 from their own 28-yard line; a situation Cincinnati rarely recovers from.

Dalton takes the shotgun snap, feels the pressure, sticks in the pocket and converts the third down with a huge 19-yard completion to A.J. Green.

Flag. Jeff Faine. Offensive holding.

Third and 25.

Dalton takes the shotgun snap and makes the horrible decision to throw it up to A.J. Green. Champ Bailey, among three defenders, waits for the declining football and intercepts the pass; Dalton's 11th of the season and eighth straight game with at least one.

Peyton Manning Connects With Joel Dreesen For A Touchdown; Broncos Lead Bengals 24-20

The Bengals gave the Broncos two opportunities for a kickoff return as there was an offsides penalty on the Bengals. Both resulted in touchbacks. Naturally, the Broncos began their drive on their own 20 yard line.

Then, Peyton Manning started his usual fourth quarter clinic.

Manning completed a pass to Demaryius Thomas for 6 yards followed by another failed handoff. The Bengals have consistently been stopped Willis McGahee and the Broncos run game, and Manning is undoubtedly aware of it.

Peyton Manning with a fourth quarter deficit is a dangerous threat. He passed to Eric Decker for a 30 yard pick up, followed by another completion to Demaryius Thomas for a 13 yard gain. Adam Jones was called for pass interference at the Bengals 1 yard line, which resulted in a 1^st and 1 in the red zone.

Manning threw for a touchdown to tight end Joel Dreesen. 24-10 Broncos with 11:47 left in the fourth quarter.

Cincinnati Bengals Take 20-17 Lead On BenJarvus Green-Ellis Two-Yard Touchdown

Following a poorly thrown interception, picked off by Terence Newman at Denver's 27-yard line, the Bengals offense puts the finishing touches on the third quarter with a six-yard run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis. On second and four, Dalton quickly hits A.J. Green on a hitch and sprints across the field near the left sidelines, cutting upfield and knocked out of bounds at the two-yard line.

With 14:24 remaining in the fourth quarter, Dalton overthrows the football on a fade to Mohamed Sanu. So the Bengals called BenJarvus Green-Ellis, doing exactly what he was signed to do. Second and goal, BenJarvus Green-Ellis powers into the line of scrimmage and the pile of bodies is pushed into the end zone.

The Bengals take a 20-17 lead with 14:10 remaining in the game.

Terence Newman Intercepts Peyton Manning Again; Bengals Looking At Red Zone.

After the Bengals cut their loss to four points with a 49-yard field goal converted by Mike Nugent, they were able to place the Broncos on their own 1-yard line after poorly fielding a kickoff by the Bengals. Two poor Broncos running attempts left Peyton Manning with the decision to target Eric Decker downfield.

Terence Newman intercepted Manning's pass - again.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 6 yards, and the Bengals will begin the 4^th quarter on Denver's 21 yard line.

Cincinnati Bengals Further Reduce The Broncos Lead After Mike Nugent 49-Yard Field Goal

Oh that shifty momentum reverts back to the Cincinnati Bengals.

With third and seven from the Bengals 23-yard line and 4:10 remaining in the third quarter, Andy Dalton with an empty backfield, leads rookie Mohamed Sanu in full stride down the middle of the field. The wide receiver avoids a tackle and gained a total 34 yards on the play, picking up the first down and pushing to Denver's side of the field.

A handful of runs, 11-yard comeback route and tipped second down attempt leads to a third and six from the Broncos 24-yard line with 1:54 remaining in the third.

Andy Dalton in shotgun with three receivers to the left (including Jermaine Gresham). Von Miller powerfully bull-rushed Andre Smith and generates the quarterback sack.

Mike Nugent converts the 49-yard field goal to further reduce Denver's lead to four points.

Terence Newman Intercepts Peyton Manning In End Zone; Bengals Begin Their Drive Facing 17-10 Deficit

The Bengals were quick to stop Broncos return man Trindon Holliday from making another play as they stopped him at the 17 yard line to begin the Broncos offensive drive.

Peyton Manning completed a pass to tight end Jacob Tamme for a 12 yard gain, and followed it up with a run that was stopped by Geno Atkins for a 4 yard loss. The Broncos have struggled on the ground against this Bengals defense, and Peyton Manning seemed to be fully aware as he began an aerial assault as he has been sitting comfortably in the pocket with no pass rush to speak of from the Bengals defense.

After completing passes to both Brandon Stokely and Eric Decker, and incompletion forced Manning to face a 3^rd and 5 situation. A short completion to running back Ronnie Hillman converted the 3^rd down for the Broncos. While the run game hasn't exactly been productive for the Broncos, they still ran a few attempts to keep the Bengals defense honest, and McGahee finally found a hole for a 10 yard gain. Manning followed up a somewhat successful run with a huge completion to Brandon Stokely for 20 yards.

Faced with 12 yards to the end zone in Cincinnati territory, Manning threw to Decker in the end zone, but Terence Newman picked off Manning's pass in the end zone.

The Bengals will begin their drive from their own 20 yard line with 5:30 left in the 3^rd quarter.

Andy Dalton, Jermaine Gresham And A.J. Green Reduce Denver's 14-Point Lead To Seven

Just how we envisioned it.

Trindon Holliday returned the second-half opening kickoff 105 yards to expand their lead 17-3. Sigh. Smack my head. Other internet idioms to express frustration.

Yet those idioms turned to fist-pumping shotgun shots. With second and eight from the Bengals 37-yard line, Dalton scrambled out of the pocket, rolling out left and finding a wide-open Jermaine Gresham roughly near the first down marker. That's not it. The Bengals tight end cut upfield, jumping tackles and reading blocks for a 52-yard gain down the left sidelines.

Following another (snoozing) BenJarvus Green-Ellis run up the middle, Andy Dalton floats the football to A.J. Green on a back-shoulder fade, who holds onto the football for the touchdown.

The Bengals cut reduce Denver's deficit 17-10.

Broncos Return Kickoff For Touchdown to Start The Second Half 17-3 Over Bengals

Well, the Bengals wanted to keep Peyton Manning off the field, but this isn't exactly helping.

Trindon Holliday, just claimed off waivers by the Broncos mid-October to help with their return game, helped with their return game. Holliday returned the Bengals kickoff for 105 yards for a touchdown to begin the second half.

17-3 Broncos over Bengals with 14:49 left in the third quarter.

SECOND HALF OPEN THREAD: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals open the second half on defense against the Denver Broncos.

Denver Broncos With 10-3 Half Time Lead Against The Cincinnati Bengals

Though the yardage doesn't promote it, the Bengals and Broncos turned in a defensive performance in terms of the scoring in the first half.

Broncos Take 10-3 Lead On Eric Decker 13-Yard Touchdown Reception

The Cincinnati Bengals defense at this point had been strong, serviceable, not giving up big plays while keeping quarterback Peyton Manning guessing. Setting up a third and three from their own 28-yard line, Manning floats the football on a five-yard crossing pattern to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for the first down.

On the following play, Manning faked the handoff to Willis McGahee, looks downfield and launches the football down the left sidelines for Demaryius Thomas, who had destroyed Leon Hall's coverage by a good 2-3 steps. The receiver hauled down the 45 yard reception to the Bengals 21-yard, tripped up by Chris Crocker saving the touchdown.

Following another limited gain up the gut by McGahee and a seven-yard pass to Joel Dreessen for seven, Manning sets up at the Bengals 13-yard line on third and two. Eric Decker crosses from right to left, hauling in the football, cutting upfield and scoring a touchdown knocking down the front left pylon.

The Broncos take a 10-3 lead.

Bengals Tie It 3-3 With Mike Nugent Field Goal

The first quarter was largely a back-and-forth affair, as the Bengals continued to struggle converting 3^rd downs, and the Broncos have faced a few dropped passes by receivers in spite of Peyton Manning's effectiveness at quarterback this afternoon.

The Bengals scoring drive began with the Broncos getting stalled by an offensive interference call by wide receiver Eric Decker.

The call reversed what would have been a first down, and Peyton Manning couldn't connect with Brandon Stokley, who completely dropped a well-placed pass by Manning.

After the Broncos were forced to punt the ball away, the Bengals were quick to strike. Dalton connected to A.J. Green for a 37-yard gain. After a few run attempts, A.J. Green took a screen pass which resulted in another first down. The Bengals then changed their offensive tempo with several quick no huddle strikes on the ground. The hurry up offense continued to chip away in Broncos territory. The tempo slowed a bit as Marvin Lewis had a discrepancy with the play clock.

Faced with 3^rd and goal after an incomplete pass from Dalton was batted down at the line, Dalton couldn't find any opportunities down field and opted to run the ball himself to the line of scrimmage.

Mike Nugent converted a 28-yard field goal, giving the Bengals their first score of the afternoon as well as a tie ball game.

The Bengals can look back on an offensive drive of ten plays, 57 yards, and 4:23 time of possession.

Denver Broncos Take Early 3-0 Lead Over The Cincinnati Bengals

Already the difference early between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos is clearly the play of the quarterback. During his opening possession, Andy Dalton nearly throws an interception on a third-down incomplete pass. Peyton Manning on the other hand, after starting Denver's offense from the 20-yard line, rests comfortably from the pocket and hits his receivers in stride -- several out of the backfield.

Yet no pressure existed to force the issue. Feeling comfortable within predictable rhythm, Manning completed two attempts on third down, converting both for first downs.

Cincinnati's rushing defense helps stall the Broncos, limiting Willis McGahee to only eight yards on four carries, including a stuffed one-yard run on third and six from the Bengals 26-yard line.

Matt Prater converts the 43-yard field goal to give Denver a 3-0 lead with eight minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Cincinnati Bengals Offense Opens The Game With A Three-And-Out

With the Denver Broncos deferring to the second half, Brandon Tate returns the game's opening kickoff to the 35 yards to their own 36-yard.

Despite the optimistic return, Cincinnati's frustrating offense didn't do much. BenJarvus Green-Ellis pounded the football up the middle for a five-yard gain, leaving second and five with 14:19 remaining in the first quarter.

Then nothing.

Dalton arched the football on a running back screen, disrupted by Wesley Woodyard splitting blocks for a one-yard loss. On third and six, Dalton tried hitting Brandon Tate on a string during the receiver's hitch route, nearly picked off by Tony Carter.

Cincinnati Bengals Captains And Denver Broncos Defer To The Second Half

The Denver Broncos won the coin toss and elected to defer, which means the Cincinnati Bengals will receive the game's opening kickoff.

The team's captains for Sunday's game are quarterback Andy Dalton, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, linebacker Rey Maualuga, safety Taylor Mays and defensive tackle Domata Peko.

OPEN THREAD: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals host the Denver Broncos for a Week Nine battle that could have postseason implications.

Lineup Changes For The Bengals: C Trevor Robinson And S Chris Crocker Make Their First Starts

There are a handful of lineup changes for the Cincinnati Bengals, hosting the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Despite suffering a hamstring injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers two weeks ago, starting center Jeff Faine practiced this week. That being said the Bengals are replacing Faine with rookie center Trevor Robinson.

Chris Crocker will also make his first start of the year, replacing Nate Clements at strong safety. It's unknown what will happen after that -- if Clements rotates around at safety and cornerback. As far we know Terence Newman is still starting at cornerback.

Brandon Tate is also "expected" to get the start over Armon Binns; though active, Binns is recovering from his own injury.

First-Round Rookie CB Dre Kirkpatrick Active For The First Time This Year

He's active.

You know whom I'm talking about. First-round pick cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick will make his NFL debut this Sunday against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, finally recovering from an injured knee that dates back before training camp this year.

Yet he's not the only rookie making his NFL debut. Recently promoted linebacker Emmanuel Lamur, replacing Dontay Moch who went on IR late this week, will also make his NFL debut.

If you're looking for them on the television or during the game, Kirkpatrick is No. 27 and Lamur is No. 59.

Inactive this week for the Cincinnati Bengals includes the injured wide receiver Marvin Jones, who hurt a knee against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week Seven. Joining him is wide receiver Ryan Whalen, cornerback Jason Allen, linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy, defensive tackle Brandon Thompson, tight end Richard Quinn and safety George Iloka.

Of note the interesting inactive is Whalen, who not only replaced Jones during the last game and being the second-most targeted receiver, leaving only five receivers active on Sunday.

Inactive for the Denver Broncos includes former Bengals wide receiver Andre Caldwell, quarterback Caleb Hanie, cornerback Tracy Porter, running back Knowshon Moreno, center C.J. Davis, tight end Julius Thomas and defensive tackle Sealver Siliga.

Yahoo! Sports Shutdown Corner Predicts 35-14 Denver Broncos Win Over The Bengals

Doug Farrar with Yahoo! Sports picks every NFL game each week with an explanation. During his paragraph-long preview for Cincinnati's Week Nine game against the Broncos, Farrar not only has Denver winning, but winning big with a predicted 35-14 score.

The Bengals selected Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick with the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, only to watch and wait as the talented defender spent the first half of the season recovering from a knee injury. Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer says that Kirkpatrick is a cinch to make his NFL debut against the Broncos, and Zimmer could certainly use him -- and anyone else who can cover. The Bengals currently rank 29th in Football Outsiders' opponent-adjusted metrics against the pass, and their task this Sunday looks just about impossible -- shutting down Peyton Manning, who has been as effective in the last few weeks as he's been at any time in his great career. Meanwhile, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, who looked great in his rookie season of 2011, is trying to avoid becoming the first signal-caller in team history to throw an interception in each of his first eight games of a season. This would be a perversely impressive accomplishment for a franchise that has counted Akili Smith and David Klingler among its passers. Denver's defense is gaining confidence at the wrong time for Dalton.

It's a hard preview to counter, with arguments against the Bengals having mounted all week. In fact the best we can do at this point is revert to the whole "Any Given Sunday" perspective.

Matchup Of The Game: WR A.J. Green Vs. CB Champ Bailey

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is Andy Dalton's most dependable target. The second-year wide receiver has only dropped two of 46 catchable throws from Andy Dalton, who has targeted Green during over 30 percent of his pass attempts this year (catchable or not).

With the Broncos heading into Cincinnati for Sunday afternoon's game, Denver brings one of the league's best cornerbacks in Champ Bailey.

Seven games into the regular season, Bailey has only allowed 50 percent of the passes targeting receivers he's covering. Additionally opposing quarterbacks have only generated a combined 69.0 passing rating, including strong performances against Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers.

Bailey recognizes Green as one of the league's best receivers today:

"I think his biggest strength is ball skills," Bailey said. "You see a lot of guys, you see the ball up and they don't know how to go get it. And he's probably the best in the game at going to get it."

Not only is Green's matchup against Bailey a spotlight for Sunday's game, it's a critical matchup for Cincinnati's offense.

Bengals QB Andy Dalton With The Most To Prove Against The Denver Broncos

After struggling during Cincinnati's three-game winning streak and being called out by head coach Marvin Lewis, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has the most to prove this weekend against the Denver Broncos.

First-Round Pick Dre Kirkpatrick Could Make NFL Debut Against The Broncos

Bengals first-round pick -- more accurately, the first of two during that round -- cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick suited up for his first practice of the regular season when Cincinnati entered Week Five against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited all week, yet participated during positions drills; just the first milestone after a lengthy injury that began before training camp.

After three consecutive limited sessions and a fourth the following week in Week Six, Kirkpatrick was full participation for the first time this year during the Thursday heading into the Cleveland Browns. No shot existed for Kirkpatrick suiting up to make his debut, but another milestone was reached for the rookie's eventual debut.

With eight consecutive full participation practices spanning over two weeks later (along with the sessions during the Bye Week), Kirkpatrick is now absent from the injury list and appears likely to make his NFL debut this weekend against the Denver Broncos.

Head coach Marvin Lewis hasn't hinted one way or the other if Kirkpatrick, who hasn't played an NFL snap yet, will suit up against Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning; who has a tendency to working over rookie defensive backs. And there's a chance that Cincinnati could suit rookie Emmanuel Lamur over Kirkpatrick, based on special teams factors and activating seven active linebackers.

Denver Broncos At Cincinnati Bengals: All You Need To Know

A collections of stories, previews and information heading into Sunday's game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals Friday Practice Report

The official practice report heading into Week Nine meeting between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals Broadcast Coverage

The Cincinnati Bengals will kickoff week nine at 1PM, hosting the Denver Broncos. Will you be in an area that will have the game on TV? We totally have your answer.