Bengals vs. Dolphins: Giovani Bernard's performance lone bright spot

Despite handing Miami a 17-3 lead with just under eight minutes remaining in the game, Cincinnati began to systematically recover by going back to basics -- running the football. Following Brent Grimes 94-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Bengals didn't panic and in fact, they impressively drove through Miami's defense, highlighted by Giovani Bernard's three-yard touchdown to neutralize Grimes' touchdown.

Back to a seven-point lead and the defense forcing a three-and-out, the Bengals moved from their own 30-yard line to Miami's 35 on Dalton's five-yarder to Tyler Eifert, BenJarvus Green-Ellis' 14-yard run, and Jermaine Gresham's 16-yard reception where six of those yards featured a dragging defender. Now Cincinnati has first down at Miami's 35-yard line with 12:54 remaining in regulation.

Giovani Bernard takes the pitch right but encounters two defenders in the backfield. It should have led to a significant loss, but with someone like Bernard, the play is never over until the officials wildly wave their arms and toot their whistles. Bernard redirected to the left, escorted by improvised players taking on blocks while Cincinnati's rookie running back continues to make defenders miss. Eventually, he cuts back to the middle of the field, scoring a game-tying touchdown.

Despite finishing the game with a team-high 79 yards rushing and two touchdowns and 104 yards from scrimmage (adding four receptions or 25 yards receiving), Bernard left the game with injured ribs. Lewis said after the game that he should be fine for Baltimore, but not much detail has been given about the injury yet. The Bengals have ten days before their next game, playing the Ravens in Baltimore.