Mitch Stacy is an AP sports writer
4 hours ago
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) throws against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Caroline Custer)
CINCINNATI (AP) — In the space of six days, Jake Browning has gone from little-known backup for Joe Burrow to potential savior of the Bengals’ season.
Making his third NFL start, the 27-year-old Browning was impressive again on Sunday, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for a score as Cincinnati beat the Indianapolis Colts 34-14.
With Burrow out for the season with a wrist injury, the Bengals looked in danger of sliding into irrelevance before Browning threw for 354 yards and a touchdown in a win in Jacksonville last Monday night.
Browning’s follow-up performance was also good, keeping the Bengals (7-6) in the mix for a playoff spot. He completed 18 of 24 passes for 275 yards with an interception against the playoff-contending Colts (7-6), whose four-game winning streak came to an end.
“He plays his ass off,” said Cincinnati receiver Tee Higgins, who caught two passes for 72 yards. “He plays like a real midfielder, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Gardner Minshew threw for 240 yards with a touchdown and an interception for a Colts team whose offense stalled after halftime.
The game was tied at 14 points at intermission, but Indy’s first four possessions of the second half ended with two punts, a pick thrown by Minshew and a failed attempt at fourth down.
“A lot of self-inflicted wounds,” Mincio said.
Meanwhile, the Bengals scored on their first two runs of the second inning – 11-yard TD grab by Tanner Hudson And a 1-yard keeper by Browning.
“It was just one of those days,” Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said. “It just wasn’t our day. I have full confidence in that group in that locker room, we’re going to clean it up.”
The player was rookie running back Chase Brown 54-yard touchdown reception for the Bengals Who opened the registration. Brown caught a short pass out of the backfield and raced untouched down the right sideline, making a tackle by safety Rodney Thompson II at the 6-yard line on his way to the end zone.
After the Colts’ Matt Gay rebounded a 38-yard field goal attempt from the left upright, the Bengals scored again. Taking advantage of two Indianapolis penalties, Cincinnati put together a 72-yard drive Joe Mixon finished with a one-yard TD touchdown.
The Colts held the ball for the next 8:22, and Minchio threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Mo Alie-Cox.
Indianapolis needed just 25 seconds to score again. Browning’s off-target pass was deflected off Hudson’s hand and straight into Colts linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr., who ran it back 36 yards for a TD.
Two-headed monster
Mixon rushed for 79 yards on 21 carries and had three receptions for 46 yards. Brown contributed with 80 yards receiving and 25 yards rushing. They each scored a touchdown.
“It feels great,” Mixon said. “Emotions are running high here. Everyone is doing everything they can to contribute to the team, and I feel like everyone is playing complete football.
Defense steps
Statistically, Cincinnati’s defense is among the worst in the NFL, especially against the run. But the Bengals held the Colts to 46 yards rushing and shut out Indianapolis in the second half. The unit forced coups twice and sacked Mincio three times. Trey Hendrickson had two sacks, giving him 13 1/2 for the season.
Decent atmosphere
Burrow offered his suite at Paycor Stadium to Browning, who invited family and friends from California to watch the game.
“Burro was nice to give us tickets,” Browning said. “It’s better than sitting outside. We’re from California and we’re not used to the cold. Well, I am, but they’re not.”
Injuries
Browning went to the locker room with muscle cramps in his hand in the fourth quarter but returned. He said his hand was closed due to cramps but he became fine after receiving intravenous fluids.
“It was embarrassing,” he said.
the next
Colts: Host Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Bengals: Host Minnesota on Saturday.
The Cincinnati Bengals continued their impressive run towards the playoffs as backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped up to lead the team to a decisive 34-14 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Browning’s stellar performance once again showcased the team’s depth and resilience, solidifying their position in the playoff race. With this significant win, the Bengals have demonstrated their determination to secure a spot in the postseason, proving that they are a formidable force to be reckoned with.