The Cincinnati Bengals were called for excessive celebration after Carlos Dunlap returned a fumble return 35 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 27-17 lead and the eventual win. Mike Nugent, who had missed a 43-yard field goal only minutes earlier, crushed the ensuing kickoff from the 20-yard line to the goalline, reaching 80 yards through the air and limiting the return to the Colts 15-yard line.
The Bengals defensive storyline of putting an end to this game continued after Curtis Painter takes a shotgun snap and throws deep to the left sidelines towards Austin Collin towards the left sidelines. The pass was slightly under-thrown into double coverage where Leon Hall picks off the pass; it's the first interception this season by a member of the Bengals secondary. Cincinnati killed the clock with consecutive runs by Cedric Benson picking up 13 yards, followed with back-to-back victory-formation knees, giving the Bengals a 27-17 win, heading into the bye week with an unexpected 4-2 record to start the regular season.
The Bengals win on Sunday reached a milestone; it was Cincinnati's first win over the Indianapolis Colts since 1997. Marvin Lewis also tied Sam Wyche with 64 wins, most in franchise history.
Andy Dalton completed 25 of 32 passes for 264 yards, including a first down touchdown pass to A.J. Green. Wide receiver Jerome Simpson led the team with six receptions for 101 yards receiving and Bernard Scott received significant playing time with 11 rushes for only 29 yards rushing.
Bengals forced three turnovers on the afternoon; Leon Hall interception, Carlos Dunlap fumble recovery (for a touchdown) and a Jonathan Fanene recovery that was forced by Reggie Nelson. Cincinnati also held the Colts to 273 yards on offense; holding their fifth opponent to under 300 yards this season.
Cedric Benson, who was largely ineffective Sunday with 57 yards rushing and a 3.6 yard/rush average, scored only his second rushing touchdown this season.