Joe Burrow shines with 4 TDs as Bengals dominate Dolphins in impressive 45-21 win
MIAMI — Joe Burrow bounced back from a challenging outing last week to lead the Cincinnati Bengals to a resounding 45-21 triumph over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. With a blend of precision passing and opportunistic defense, the Bengals turned a 14-10 halftime deficit into a commanding 31-14 lead, scoring 21 consecutive points in just 7:51 of game time. As a result, Cincinnati improved their season record to 5-10, with a more favorable 4-2 showing under Burrow’s leadership.
Key Stretch of Dominance
The Bengals seized momentum right before halftime and capitalized on two critical turnovers early in the second half. Burrow orchestrated a 7-play, 56-yard drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown run by Samaje Perine, giving Cincinnati a 17-14 lead as they headed into the locker room.
The turning point came on Miami’s first possession of the third quarter, where the Bengals defense shined. Safety Jordan Battle jarred the ball loose from tight end Greg Dulcich, and Myles Murphy was quick to recover. Burrow wasted no time, leading a 6-play, 34-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Chase Brown. This was just the beginning of a stellar day for Brown.
Brown’s Impressive Performance
The Bengals defense continued to assert its dominance, forcing a turnover on downs during Miami’s next drive. This opened the door for Brown to score his third touchdown of the quarter, as Burrow connected with him again on a 5-yard strike on 3rd-and-3. Cincinnati surged ahead 38-14, as they capitalized on the short fields created by the defense. The third quarter was a showcase of Cincinnati’s opportunism, with the Bengals scoring 21 points thanks to three turnovers and a turnover on downs.
Burrow’s Resurgence
Burrow’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. He completed 25 of 32 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns, achieving a stellar quarterback rating of 146.5. Throughout the game, he demonstrated poise and precision, expertly navigating the offense and ensuring that drives culminated in touchdowns. Cincinnati capitalized on turnovers, scoring 28 points off these opportunities, including the fourth-down stop during the final quarter.
Dynamic Duo: Chase and Higgins
Ja’Marr Chase was a standout performer, finishing the game with nine receptions for 109 yards on 11 targets. Tee Higgins contributed significantly as well, with three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Both receivers made critical contested catches, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and helping to secure touchdowns that shifted the game’s momentum.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals will return to their home turf to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, December 21, at 1 p.m. ET. As the team continues to build on this victory, fans can expect a renewed focus on their playoff aspirations. The Bengals are on the rise, and with Burrow at the helm, the excitement is palpable as they look to carry this momentum forward.
