A game-opening quarterback sack by Domata Peko killed Jacksonville's schedule, eventually forcing a three and out. A Jeromy Miles illegal block pushed Bryan Anger's punt to Cincinnati's own 20-yard line with 13 minutes remaining in the first quarter. A minimal three-yard gain by BenJarvus Green-Ellis later, Andy Daltons' pass to Chris Pressley was juggled and intercepted by linebacker Kyle Bosworth. At some point while returning the pick, Bosworth fumbled the football which was recovered by Andre Smith, giving the Bengals possession at their own nine-yard line. Geez.
Another three-yard carry by Green-Ellis sets up a second-and-seven from Cincinnati's 12-yard line, where Dalton flings the football to Andrew Hawkins, waiting for the football and fighting for the first down. Another Green-Ellis run. Another three-yard gain sets up another second and seven. Are we seeing a trend here? This time Dalton completes a 10-yard pass to backup tight end Orson Charles on a cross, picking up the first down and sustaining the drive.
Consecutive runs that gained 16 yards combined up the middle and Dalton accurately connects with Marvin Jones on first, followed by a scramble that generated another first down at midfield with 8:28 remaining in the first quarter.
Cincinnati's possession eventually stalls with a false start on Andrew Hawkins, a near-interception by Rashean Mathis and a 14-yard screen to Brian Leonard. But who says that the Bengals actually need convert a third down on their own? Antwon Blake hits Dalton low around the knees on a blitz after the quarterback released the football, drawing a roughing the passer, giving Cincinnati 15 yards to Jacksonville Jaguars 22-yard line.
A minimal four-yard Green-Ellis run, followed by an incomplete and hot read for a one-yard gain, the Bengals were forced to concede the possession with a 35-yard Mike Nugent field goal, taking a 3-0 lead.