MIAMI GARDENS — The Cincinnati Bengals got back in the win column Sunday afternoon, defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-24 at Hard Rock Stadium to snap a two-game losing streak.
Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, while Jordan Battle intercepted Miami quarterback Malik Willis twice as Cincinnati improved to 3-2 heading into its bye week.
The Bengals couldn't have asked for a better start. Dohnte Meyers returned the opening kickoff 81 yards to the Miami 10-yard line, setting up Burrow's 4-yard touchdown pass to former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki just 57 seconds into the game. Miami responded with an 11-play, 60-yard drive capped by an Ollie Gordon II 1-yard touchdown run, tying the game at seven.
Cincinnati regained control in the second quarter with a methodical 13-play, 58-yard drive that consumed more than seven minutes. Burrow found Samaje Perine for a 6-yard touchdown, giving the Bengals a 14-7 advantage.
The Bengals' defense intercepted Willis twice in the second quarter, with Jordan Battle responsible for both takeaways.
The second interception helped set up another Cincinnati touchdown. Burrow directed a nine-play, 53-yard drive, connecting with Tanner Hudson from two yards out with 55 seconds remaining in the half. The score gave Cincinnati a 21-7 advantage at the break.
Miami threatened to make things interesting in the third quarter, driving 59 yards before settling for a 29-yard Riley Patterson field goal. The Dolphins reached Cincinnati's 1-yard line, but the Bengals' defense pushed them backward, including a sack by linebacker Barrett Carter that forced Miami to settle for three points.
Cincinnati responded with its biggest offensive play of the afternoon. Facing second-and-seven at the Miami 45-yard line, Burrow connected with Ja'Marr Chase for a 45-yard touchdown with 39 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The score extended Cincinnati's lead to 28-10 and provided a reminder of just how dangerous the Bengals' offense can be with Chase and Tee Higgins on the field.
The Dolphins refused to go away. Willis directed a 14-play, 80-yard drive that consumed more than eight minutes, eventually finding Keon Coleman for a 3-yard touchdown with 7:13 remaining. Patterson missed the extra point, leaving Cincinnati ahead 28-18.
The Bengals struggled to put the game away offensively, but their defense delivered another critical play. With Miami backed up near its own goal line, Jonathan Allen sacked Willis and forced a fumble that he recovered at the Dolphins' 10-yard line. Evan McPherson converted a 26-yard field goal with 2:09 remaining, extending Cincinnati's advantage to 31-18.
Miami added a late touchdown on a 1-yard Willis run with 45 seconds remaining, but the Dolphins' ensuing onside kick went out of bounds.
Although the Bengals allowed Miami to remain competitive longer than expected, Sunday's victory featured encouraging performances from Burrow, Battle, and a rushing attack that showed improvement after struggling against Jacksonville. Cincinnati also benefited from the return of Chase and Higgins, giving Burrow his two most important receiving weapons.
The Bengals enter their bye week with a 3-2 record and an opportunity to address the mistakes that have plagued them through the opening five games. Sunday's victory was hardly perfect, but after consecutive frustrating losses, Burrow and Co. will gladly take it.
What's Next
Cincinnati has a bye next week before traveling to Baltimore to face the Ravens on Sunday, October 25, at M&T Bank Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with television coverage on CBS.
