In what felt like a long game, the Miami Dolphins came out on top to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 19-7. The Dolphins improve to 8-4, while the Bengals fall to 2-9-1. The Cincinnati Bengals are now officially eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are in good shape to make the playoffs, even with a tough schedule ahead that includes the Chiefs, Raiders and Bills.
Dolphins Defense
While Xavien Howard got ejected late in the second quarter, he still was able to get his 8th interception of the season. The Dolphins now have 18 straight games with at least one takeaway, the longest active streak in the NFL. Howard still leads the NFL in interceptions. The Dolphins defense also had a season-high six sacks against the Bengals. Three of those sacks came from Kyle Van Noy, and two came from Shaq Lawson. Van Noy also had eight total tackles in the game.
Furthermore, the Dolphins defense held Bengals QB Brandon Allen to 153 yards passing, with one touchdown and an interception. Allen took a vicious backside hit from Dolphins pass rusher Shaq Lawson late in the 4th quarter. Ryan Finley replaced Allen for the remainder of the game, throwing for 40 yards on six completions, as well as an interception.
Scoring
Scoring started off when Brandon Allen connected with WR Tyler Boyd for a 72 yard TD. Like Xavien Howard, Tyler Boyd got ejected in their scuffle late in the second quarter. The Dolphins then made it a one point game on back-to-back field goals from Jason Sanders. In the third quarter, Mike Gesicki caught a five yard TD pass from Tua, to put the Dolphins up 13-7. Gesicki actually led the Dolphins in receiving. He had nine receptions which was his career-high, 88 yards and a TD. Gesicki also had one of the best catches all season, a one handed catch that went for 20 yards. Jason Sanders kicked back-to-back field goals once again, and that ended the scoring. The Dolphins won 19-7.
Next Up
The Dolphins will now host the dangerous Kansas City Chiefs next week. This will be a perfect test for the Dolphins amazing defense.