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WINNERS
Punt Coverage: With help from Darqueze Dennard and Brandon Tate, Kevin Huber dropped a pair of punts at the two yard line -- without the contributions from Dennard and Tate, these punts likely enter the endzone for a touchback. In both cases, Cincinnati's defense forced Seattle to punt.
Adam Jones: In addition to a redzone interception, preventing Seattle from taking a lead by this point in the game, Jones returned a punt 35 yards early in the fourth quarter. The emotional burst gave Cincinnati a slight edge, securing a 10-yard touchdown, reducing Seattle's lead to 24-14 with over 12 minutes remaining.
Tyler Eifert: Eifert was the team's leading receiver, posting eight receptions for 90 yards receiving and two touchdowns -- the second gave Cincinnati momentum, cutting into Seattle's lead (24-14) with 12:18 remaining in the fourth. The most impressive reception was a diving catch with 1:25 remaining, putting Cincinnati in field goal range. Thus...
Mike Nugent: Not only did Nugent crush a 31-yarder to send the game into overtime, the veteran kicker won the game on a 42-yard field goal with 3:42 remaining in the fifth period. Let's call it a redemption from last year when a missed field goal led a tie against Carolina.
LOSERS
Rex Burkhead: With limited opportunities to make an impression for additional playing time, Burkhead takes a called jet sweep and loses the football. Not only did Seattle secure the fumble, but linebacker Bobby Wagner scored a touchdown on the recovery to give the Seahawks a 24-7 lead midway through the third quarter.
Andrew Whitworth: Despite anything else that may have happened, Whitworth committed an offensive hold (questionable, sure), which negated a 72-yard touchdown reception by A.J. Green.
Run Defense: Perhaps one of the most disappointing aspects in Sunday's overtime win was how the defense was visibly knocked over like pins at the local bowling alley. Cincinnati's defense allowed 200 yards rushing, including 169 yards to Thomas Rawls. On the other hand, Cincinnati's defense held Rawls to 18 yards rushing and a 3.0 yard/rush average in the fourth quarter and in overtime combined.