Bengals’ top plays from Week 1 win over Vikings

In front of their biggest crowd in years, the Cincinnati Bengals won a thriller of a game against the Minnesota Vikings. It was easily the most dramatic victory in the Zac Taylor era, and it came with plenty of exciting moments for the home team.

As is tradition ’round these parts, after each Bengals victory, we’ll give you the opportunity to vote on your top play from the game. Here are this week’s nominees:

Ja’Marr Chase’s 50-yard touchdown reception

This had so much meaning behind it. On the surface, it was a beautiful deep pass from Joe Burrow that traveled over 40 air yards to an open Chase down the right sideline. It was also a close replica of the duo’s touchdown connection in the 2020 College Football Playoff title game.

Beneath the beauty is an incredible amount of relief. Burrow spent most of his rookie season frustrated at his lack of deep ball production. Chase spent most of the last month frustrated at his inability to secure his targets. With one simple go route, both players exercised some temporary demons and gave the Bengals the lead at the half.

Germaine Pratt’s overtime forced fumble

If it wasn’t for this play, this article doesn’t get written. The Vikings were a few yards from comfortable field goal range with just two minutes of overtime remaining. All Dalvin Cook had to do was hold onto the ball. Germaine Pratt wouldn’t let him.

After Jessie Bates III made the initial hit on Cook, Pratt stripped the ball loose right as Cook was falling on his backside. The available camera angles didn’t provide enough conclusive evidence to overturn the call on the field, and the Bengals were given unexpected new life.

C.J. Uzomah’s 32-yard fourth down reception

With that new life, Taylor and Burrow showed the NFL just how gutsy they are. Needing a fraction of an inch to move the chains at midfield, Burrow changed the play at the line after seeing Minnesota in a favorable pre-snap look. Instead of opting to another run call, Burrow faked the hand off and looked downfield.

C.J. Uzomah ended regulation with just one reception for three yards. He added 32 more when Burrow found him breaking free towards the deep left third of the Vikings’ unprepared secondary. It was a perfect touch pass from Burrow, and Uzomah got the Bengals in perfect field goal range.

Evan McPherson’s game-winning field goal

Cincinnati’s 22-year old rookie kicker already made his mark earlier in the game when he drilled his first-ever field goal from 53 yards out. He probably didn’t expect to be in this situation when the offense failed to score on their first two overtime possessions. When his number was called again, you better believe he was ready.

From the distance of an extra point, McPherson won the game at the buzzer and became the second rookie to ever do so in overtime. A classic ending to an otherwise nerve-racking afternoon.