The Jacksonville Jaguars traveled to Cincinnati and defeated the winless Bengals, 27-17. Although the game was close, the Bengals’ offense was silenced. The leading rusher for the Bengals was quarterback Andy Dalton with 33 yards. Mixon’s woes continue as well as he finished with two yards on 10 carries.
In the air, Dalton restrained any momentum from occurring. He threw three interceptions and finished with a QBR of 50.1.
On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars varied their options. Quarterback Gardener Minshew finished with a touchdown and 303 total yards. Fournette continues to prove he is not a bust. After carrying the ball 29 times, he finished the game with 131 rushing yards.
Diving in more profoundly, how did the Bengals even keep this game close?
First Half
The Jaguars started the game with a hot start. Dede Westbrook and D.J. Chark moved the ball down the field quickly with a combined 22 yards between their receptions. Fournette kept the drive alive with a 19-yard run and recovery of a fumble that Minshew created. Westbrook then continued the journey with a 29-yard reception. A pass to Chark placed the Jaguars at the one-yard line. Instead of kicking the field goal, Fournette got stuffed at the line of scrimmage, and the Jaguars turned over the ball.
Seven punts occurred in a row until the second quarter began. The Jaguars started on their 28-yard line. Westbrook started the drive with a jet sweep for six yards. After marching slowly, Chark opened up the field with a 33-yard catch. The Bengals challenged that he was out of bounds, but the call was confirmed. The Jaguars marched down to the Bengals’ three-yard line until they kicked a field goal to put the first points on the board.
The Bengals bounced back as Alex Erickson received 12- and 48-yard passes on back-to-back plays.
With the running game non-existent, Dalton found Erickson once again for 27 yards. Mixon tried to pound it in but ended up with a two-yard receiving touchdown to take the 7-3 lead.
Before the half ended, Minshew found Chris Conley down the middle for 29 yards. At Cincinnati’s 44-yard line, Minshew went deep again with a 33-yard shot to speedy Westbrook. Minshew, however, failed to pick up another yard, so the Jaguars settled for a 29-yard field goal.
Second Half
The Bengals began with the ball and drove to mid-field. At their 47-yard line, Dalton looked across the middle. A shallow pass to Tyler Boyd for six yards was a perfect checkdown. However, the play did not end there. Boyd fumbled, and the Jaguars recovered on their 43-yard line.
Fournette handled the first third of the drive, carrying or catching the ball on six of the first seven plays for 25 yards, moving to the Bengals’ 31-yard line. The Jaguars could not find the finish line once again as they settled for a 37-yard field goal.
Down 9-7, the Bengals began on their own nine-yard line. Dalton flung the ball to Boyd and Erickson for 12-yard catches. With under a minute left, though, the Bengals could not capitalize on the long drive. Instead, they took the lead with a 38-yard field goal.
The Jaguars bounced back within a handful of plays, though. With a 47-yard pass, they found themselves at the Bengals’ eight-yard line. Minshew took matters into his own hands and completed a touchdown pass to Keelan Cole.
Cincinnati’s next three drives all ended early due to Dalton’s interceptions. One was returned 23 yards for six points, as well.
After the faulty drives, Erickson added on to a stellar day. He picked up another 15 yards and found the end zone for a late touchdown. However, the onside kick did not fall in the Bengals’ favor, and Minshew ended the game with a kneel.
Conclusion
After coming in as four-point favorites, the Jaguars kept the game close. Lack of offensive production and a late defensive push led them to another captivating win under Minshew Mania. Mixon continued to struggle as the offensive line provided no support. A rough winless season for the Bengals continues while the Jaguars now sit right below .500 at 3-4.
