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IT FINALLY HAPPENED!
The Bengals are no longer winless! Fans don’t have to worry about enduring an 0-16 season, and we finally got to watch a competent football game for the first time in a very long time.
Andy Dalton’s return starts off on the wrong foot
Dalton’s first drive drew some pretty harsh criticism. The veteran had a pretty bad over throw, and looked a lot like the guy who led this team to an 0-8 record.
3rd down Dalton mismanages the pocket and runs into pressure and has to throw it away. Womp.
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) December 1, 2019
Anyone who thinks we shouldn’t take a QB at 1 can #BleauxMe
— Bengals Perspective (@bengalshandle) December 1, 2019
My only prediction is this game will make those afraid of Dalton going on a run to end the season feel a lot better about the tank remaining alive and well.
— President of John Ross fanclub (@PatrickJudis) December 1, 2019
lol great start
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) December 1, 2019
You're not running on the Jets. Dalton has to make those throws.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) December 1, 2019
Welp. That's a TD if he hits Boyd. Good, good.
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) December 1, 2019
Andy Dalton picking up right where he left off.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) December 1, 2019
The #Bengals have yet to score a touchdown on their opening drive this season.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 1, 2019
Andy Dalton comes back first play, good play action pass play. And over throws Boyd on what could’ve been a big yardage gain.
— DonDre McCarter (@DreDon11) December 1, 2019
Update - Andy Dalton still stinks!
— CLNN (@CLePzZ) December 1, 2019
Nobody can throw a ball out of bounds like Andy Dalton! #Bengals
— Matt Z that's Me! (@mattzthatsme) December 1, 2019
Dalton and the offense fly past the Jets
As bad as the first drive was, the Bengals offense really caught on fire for the rest of the first half. They still had a few follies here and there, but we really saw an offense execute in a way we haven’t seen most of this season. You could really see the excitement spread throughout the team and the stands.
Bengals take a 7-3 lead on Andy Dalton's 198th career passing TD, a franchise record. pic.twitter.com/Nn6EG9T5Xu
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 1, 2019
Andy Dalton becomes the #Bengals' all-time leader in TD passes with an absolute dart to Tyler Boyd. Dalton now has 198 TDs, surpassing Ken Anderson.
— Jeff Wallner (@JeffWallner) December 1, 2019
Great drive for the Bengals offense. Andy Dalton is back!
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) December 1, 2019
YOU LIKE THAT?!
— Elite Andy Dalton (@EvilAndyDalton) December 1, 2019
Tyler Boyd touchdown. And we’re off.
— Blake Jewell (@bjewell43_) December 1, 2019
Andy Andy Andy ! #Whodey
— Willie Anderson (@BigWillie7179) December 1, 2019
think Andy Dalton just Wally Pipp'd Ryan Finley with that 17-yd TD pass to Tyler Boyd. @WCPO
— Keenan Singleton (@KJMSingleton) December 1, 2019
Dalton breaks the TD record. Really happy for him, he deserves it!
— Cody Young (@CODYyoungSON) December 1, 2019
Announcement of Dalton setting the team record for TD passes gets a standing ovation from the thousands of fans in attendance.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 1, 2019
Seriously, though, heck of an accomplishment for Dalton.
The difference in velocity from Ryan Finley to Andy Dalton is pretty remarkable.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 1, 2019
Tyler Boyd pulls this one out through traffic for a #Bengals touchdown. Andy Dalton now the all-time team leader in TD passes at 198. pic.twitter.com/5mN7W9sNnF
— Sam Greene (@SGdoesit) December 1, 2019
The Bengals look like a completely different team
— Nick Manchester (@NickManchester9) December 1, 2019
Offensive Playcalling in this game is so much smoother.
— Santori Miles (@santori_miles) December 1, 2019
Andy Dalton has also just passed Ken Anderson for the most career completions in Bengals history.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 1, 2019
Again, Andy Dalton's average arm stands out SO much after watching Finley 3 times.
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) December 1, 2019
Not to discredit the Bengals because they look pumped, but the Jets look like the winless team.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) December 1, 2019
The Bengals have their largest lead of the season.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 1, 2019
Bengals looking like they are having some fun today. Complete half of football.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) December 1, 2019
Mixon and Dunlap dancing on the sidelines after Mixon’s TD. Two guys who love the game even at 0-11.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) December 1, 2019
If only we’d benched Dalton earlier.
— Dadio Makdook (@dadiodefacto) December 1, 2019
Watching the Jets implode must be what fans of other teams feel like when their teams play the Bengals
— Nick Manchester (@NickManchester9) December 1, 2019
Bengals up 17-6 at the half pic.twitter.com/sdOi1YcZSL
— Cincinnati (@CincyProblems) December 1, 2019
The drop and conservative play from a winless team
Outside of the Bengals’ first drive, there was really only one instance of looking like that winless team we’ve watched all season. Tight end C.J. Uzomah dropped a wide open touchdown. The pass was a little out of reach as well, but it left the Bengals with a fourth-and-2 in the red zone. They ended up kicking the field goal, which gave the team a seven-point lead at the time. It still left plenty of fans with ruffled feathers.
For those of you hoping the Bengals go 0-16, CJ Uzomah is apparently on your side.
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 1, 2019
Shesh.
why would you not go for it
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) December 1, 2019
Play schemes Uzomah all alone in end zone.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 1, 2019
Dalton throws it a touch too hard.
Uzomah watches it bounce off his hands.
0-11 team settles for FG.
(Takes specific note for later)
C.J. Uzomah just dropped an EASY TD. Story of the Bengals' season. A lack of execution.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 1, 2019
The #Bengals had a chance for their biggest lead of the year, but it goes off the fingertips of a wide-open C.J. Uzomah.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) December 1, 2019
They settle for a Bullock FG to go up 10-3, equaling their largest lead of the year.
The #Bengals are playing real football today.
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) December 1, 2019
There’s an odd, very curious, feeling in the air.
I don’t even know what to call it.
Joe waving off the FG unit. Think he wanted the Bengals to go for it on 4th down.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) December 1, 2019
Uzomah wants Burrow too #whodey #bengals #bungleforburrow
— James Fox (@JamesFox1981) December 1, 2019
The punt and safety that sealed the win
The Bengals were nursing a 17-6 lead when punter Kevin Huber dropped a beautiful punt that was downed at the one-yard line. New York was then called for holding in the end zone, which results in a safety. That sequence of events was just something Bengals fans were use to happening the other way around, and it felt like the nail in the coffin for the Jets’ chances of winning.
Kevin Huber continues to build his case for Bengals MVP with another great punt.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) December 1, 2019
This play brought to you by an incredible punt by Kevin Huber. https://t.co/jDdEjabZd0
— President of John Ross fanclub (@PatrickJudis) December 1, 2019
LOL JETS
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) December 1, 2019
First #Bengals safety since Nov. 27, 2016, when Ravens punter Sam Koch ran out of bounds as time expired.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) December 1, 2019
Bengals had one penalty on the day and it was a weak block call. It's 5:38 in the 3rd quarter.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) December 1, 2019
what do you even say to this? this is an abomination
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) December 1, 2019
Kevin Huber's case for MVP improves with that safety
— Nick Manchester (@NickManchester9) December 1, 2019
@Bengals bout to get first Win of season! @andydalton14 , Oline, Defense and special teams! #WhoDey
— Willie Anderson (@BigWillie7179) December 1, 2019
A nod to the defense
The main reason Cincinnati made the change to start Dalton at quarterback again was to try and win games. The defense made it abundantly clear that Ryan Finley wasn’t going to be winning any games even with them shutting down opposing teams. They carried that same play into today’s game.
The Bengals had nine combined sacks in their first eight games. Cincinnati has nine in their last four games.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 1, 2019
When Sam Hubbard covers tight ends, bad things happen.
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 1, 2019
When he rushes, better things happen. Hubbard and Geno share a third down sack and force the Jets into a three-out.
Not sure if the Jets came into this overconfident or just werent prepared but thats the tough thing when you start as bad as the Jets. No margin for error to allow for a game like this
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) December 1, 2019
Bengals' defensive YPP, Weeks 1 through 11: 6.72
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 1, 2019
In the last 11 quarters: 4.98
Currently at 3.73 against NYJ, which would be a season low.
If the Bengals win today, one game ball should go to Zac Taylor and another should go to the entire defense.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 1, 2019
#Bengals defense forces another punt. If you look back over the last three weeks, they have turned into a pretty stingy group.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 1, 2019
Impressive turnaround considering the total mess of the first half.
These are the games this Bengals DL is built for. Lots of pressure and Darnold goes 0/3
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) December 1, 2019
Finally
The Bengals are winless no more. Zac Taylor finally gets his first win as a head coach for the Bengals, and Cincinnati is still in line to hold the first overall pick. It was finally a good week. Here are the best reactions to the relief of this win.
— Jack Neumeyer (@JN_Cincinnati) December 1, 2019
— Steve, WFI, in Crowtown (@StevenCrowtown) December 1, 2019
Thanks to the Jets, this Bengals fan is going to be able to sleep inside again pic.twitter.com/zSAZHOwKTZ
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 1, 2019
Me telling the Bengals how to perform down the stretch here. pic.twitter.com/90zg0YY19F
— Nyck Grayson (@Nycholas__) December 1, 2019
The bengals have a double digit 4th quarter lead this is not a drill pic.twitter.com/E0s9ca82Rm
— Matt Torres (@Matt_Torres4) December 1, 2019
0-11 Bengals with a 3 touchdown lead over the Jets. pic.twitter.com/R5zS8JeXai
— Lakers Universe (@LakersUniverise) December 1, 2019
it looks like dalton will redeem himself...so what I'm waiting on no.1 draft pick #bengals #bungals
— MISTER DARSEY (@MISTER_DARSEY) December 1, 2019
I wonder if Darnold celebrates losses as hard as he does his wins... Cause #Bengals getting that win! 1-11
— rob_D30 (@rob_d30) December 1, 2019
Bengals fans: upset they never win
— Cincy vs. Everyone (@cincyvseveryone) December 1, 2019
Bengals fans: upset they did win
As a 25 year Bengals fan, this is a groundhog day feeling
— Walt Reed (@tybaltus79) December 1, 2019
Bengals won. I’m getting drunk
— The Guy Friend (@retailpapi) December 1, 2019
Me: The jets will have meaningful December games. The jets: Lose to the 0-11 Bengals on December 1st Me:
— Sergio (@_sergswoosh_) December 1, 2019
THE BENGALS ARE GOING TO WIN A FOOTBALL GAME
— Nate (@MostNated) December 1, 2019
Final: Zac Taylor gets the Gatorade bath as he registers his first win as an NFL coach.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 1, 2019
Cincinnati wins 22-6. The Bengals are no longer the only winless team in the NFL.
THE BENGALS WON A GAME THIS SEASON pic.twitter.com/3BG6sVpOrE
— SB Nation (@SBNation) December 1, 2019
Before today the Bengals last win game on December 16, 2018.
— Elise Jesse (@Elise_JesseWLWT) December 1, 2019
Cincy avoids going nearly a full calendar year without a win by beating the Jets 22-6. The Jets have now been the team to give two winless squads their first wins this year.
Victory Formation! pic.twitter.com/8oSFRjrKjA
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 1, 2019
Zac Taylor going down the sideline and hugging players and coaches.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) December 1, 2019
Entire Bengals sideline is celebrating
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 1, 2019
i've been too scared to check the miami and washington scores for the past 20 minutes. i just exhaled.
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) December 1, 2019
The Cincinnati Bengals are undefeated in the month of December this year.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) December 1, 2019
Things you just love to see pic.twitter.com/lk03bWpI7D
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) December 1, 2019