Cincy Jungle
In his Bengals debut, Joe Flacco showed grit. He finished 29-of-45 for 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. After a stagnant first half (Cincinnati totaled only 65 yards), he orchestrated a season-long 17-play, 78-yard drive to open the second half, connecting on a fourth-and-goal pass to Tanner Hudson from 2 yards out. Later, he also delivered a clutch 19-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase, followed by a two-point conversion pass to Chase Brown, cutting the deficit to six.
That stretch, giving the Bengals life, was perhaps the best stretch the offense had all day. It showed that even under duress, with a new starter, Cincinnati could move the ball and threaten opponents.
With Mike Gesicki exiting early due to a pectoral injury, Hudson became a necessary target. His touchdown catch on fourth down was a gutsy call and execution. He finished with just 4 receptions for 10 yards, but had that critical score. In a situation where the tight end room was tested, Hudson delivered when called upon.
Ja’Marr Chase was outstanding once again. With his third quarterback this season (this one with five days in the building), Uno and Flacco found a rhythm, particularly in the final two quarters, often utilizing back-shoulder throws against tight Green Bay coverage. Chase finished with 10 catches for 94 yards and a highlight-reel touchdown grab.
Though the second half proved costly (more on that later), the Bengals’ defense held strong early. The Packers were held to 10 points at halftime. On Green Bay’s opening drive, Geno Stone made an interception, returning it 25 yards after a tipped pass—creating a promising early swing.
Additionally, DJ Turner once again looked like a budding star at cornerback. He had five passes defended and posted a 91.8 PFF score for the evening.
All in all, Cincinnati committed just three penalties, avoided turnovers, and forced one on defense—usually hallmarks of what one hopes for in a road win.
The Bengals’ offense was essentially dormant in the first half, totaling just 65 yards. With that little production, Green Bay’s defense could tee up and play with a comfortable cushion. Time of possession heavily favored the Packers early, further constraining Cincinnati’s options.
This sort of slow start is nearly fatal in hostile environments—especially when your pass game is being tested under a new QB.
Cincinnati rushed for just 55 yards, spread among Chase Brown (42 yards on 9 carries) and Samaje Perine (16 yards on 6 carries). That lack of ground effectiveness prevented the Bengals from leaning on balance or controlling the clock, placing more burden on Flacco and the passing game.
Both Gesicki (pectoral) and Trey Hendrickson (back) departed before or during the game, weakening both the tight end group and edge pass rush...
