CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals overcame a 13-point first-quarter deficit Sunday afternoon, taking a 14-13 halftime lead over the Tennessee Titans at Paycor Stadium on a one-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Jack Endries with 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
Tennessee dominated the opening quarter, scoring on each of its first three possessions. Joey Slye opened the scoring with a 46-yard field goal before Tony Pollard broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run. Cincinnati's offense struggled early, quickly punting on its opening possession before Burrow was intercepted by Amani Hooker on the next drive. Slye added a 29-yard field goal to give the Titans a 13-0 lead.
The Bengals finally got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter when Burrow connected with Ja'Marr Chase for a 30-yard touchdown on third-and-18. The score came one play after a 20-yard touchdown pass to Chase Brown was wiped out by an offensive holding penalty on Dylan Fairchild. Fairchild has more penalties on the year than any other Bengal at 5.
Cincinnati's defense then helped turn things around when DJ Turner forced a fumble by former Kentucky Wildcat Wan'Dale Robinson that Josh Newton recovered. However, the Bengals failed to capitalize after reaching the Tennessee 4-yard line. Burrow lost a yard on third down before being sacked for a 15-yard loss on fourth down, ending the scoring opportunity.
The Bengals got another chance after forcing a Tennessee punt, taking possession at their own 33-yard line with 2:19 remaining. Burrow led Cincinnati 67 yards in nine plays, finding Endries for the go-ahead touchdown just before halftime.
Cincinnati recovered from a rough first quarter, in much the same fashion that they did last week by recovering from a rough first half. Hopefully the men in stripes have settled in and have taken control against the Titans.
